An Alabama legislative committee postponed the approval of several education-related state contracts on Thursday, citing concerns about “sole source” contracts, where the contract is awarded to a single company without opening it to public bidding.
Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, chair of the Alabama Contract Review Committee, explained that multiple questions arose regarding contracts from the Alabama Department of Education. However, these education contracts were not the only ones delayed that day.
“I think we’re going to probably hold all of yours that are sole source today,” Roberts said. “We’re going to meet with our group in a week and a half, and then we’ll get back to you on that.”
The State Department of Education did not immediately provide an on-the-record comment when contacted Thursday afternoon.
Tina Hammonds, counsel and government relations director for the department, defended one of the contracts, which focused on career development and continuing education. She explained that the contract had been developed over the years in collaboration with a single company to make it more tailored to Alabama’s specific needs.
“I’m a year and a half into it, but I believe that we’re at the point now that this is the only company that has developed this,” Hammonds said.
The committee also reviewed details of contracts related to training materials, professional development, English language learning support, and data literacy. Lawmakers expressed concerns over the use of sole source contracts, particularly when the state has a history of working with a single vendor.
Hammonds noted that while the department usually opens its bidding process to all potential vendors, certain situations, such as a change in leadership for career and technical education, required them to continue with the current vendor for the school year.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Roberts emphasized that the committee is focused on state spending efficiency.
“We’re trying to make it so that we’re truly competitive,” Roberts said. “We’re trying to watch all the spending of the state because hard times are ahead at some point.”
