BOCES -Regional Computer Center Services

Regional Computer Center Services (RIC)

How School Districts Can Save Money Because of a RIC

· RICs negotiate statewide contracts for many software systems: student, financial, guidance, data warehousing. These large contracts receive large discount for multiple districts.

· RICs share custom development on programs, reports, and other customized needs. This reduces redundant program development fees charged by vendors. Example: STEP extracts from student systems this past year; data warehousing statewide effort.

· RICs provide a supply backup labor pool for districts. A RIC will assist with payroll processing, attendance, and other applications during district staff unexpected absences.

· Telecommunication contracts are negotiated regionally and aggregate costs to assure large volume discounting.

· RICs do bulk purchases/bidding of equipment and negotiate further discounts from state contract pricing

· RICs negotiate statewide solutions for problems. Ex. vendor performance issues, warranty problems. Individual districts usually do not have the leverage and buying power to impact problem solution and vendor negotiations. Vendors are nice people. They are not necessarily "friends" of the enterprise.

· RICs provide shared staffing pools so districts can flexibly adjust their staffing needs from year-to-year or for specific technical project implementations.

· RICs through the Model Schools program share instructional technology staff and coordinate regional training sessions that districts would otherwise have to do redundantly in each district and hire their own trainers or vendors.

· RICs compare installations costs and training costs with vendor costs for similar services. RIC costs are usually lower.

· RICs deal with all vendors.

· RICs deal with Civil Service regulations for all shared staff positions in the school districts.

· RICs do aggregated printing and backup for all systems.

· RICs deal with Telcom providers for technical and billing issues, saving the district time and money.

· RICs offer multi-year service request options.

· RICs offer shared capacity for internet access, internet filters, and the required telecom infrastructure for these services.

· RICs file for E-Rate on behalf of districts.

· Supplies are purchased by RICs in volume, Example: purchase orders, test materials, checks, labels, batteries, and lamps.

· RIGs perform educational technology research and development as endorsed by regional planning committees of superintendents to prove and demonstrate cost effective classroom solutions.

· RICs provide cost effectiveness comparisons.

Prepared by:
Madison-Oneida BOCES
4937 Spring Rd.
P.O. Box 168
Verona, New York 13478