Apple this year has won a second significant contract for the large-scale deployment of laptops--this time in the state of Maine's school system. Apple has been selected as the top-scoring bidder for services and equipment for the four-year, 36,000 laptop Maine Learning Technology Initiative, following a request for proposals on January 13th, 2006. Apple will provide "portable computing devices with suitable basic applications" for all middle school students and teachers, along with upgraded wireless networks for all participating schools, appropriate server capacity, training and technical support. Earlier this year, Apple was chosen to supply Henrico County's middle school students with laptops, despite a lower bid from Dell.

"This award is a final decision, subject to State Purchases Review Committee approval and final legislative approval of the Department's budget," according to the State of Maine, which said that it will now enter into negotiations with Apple in order to finalize the terms and conditions of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative agreement for Apple's services and equipment.

Under the current timelines and subject to final legislative approval of the department's budget, the Department said that it plans to deploy new laptop computers to teachers, librarians, principals and technology coordinators in the summer of 2006 to begin preparing for the upcoming 2006-7 school year. New laptop computers for all grade 7 and 8 public middle school students will be issued at the start of the school year. Overall, the contract will be for an estimated 36,000 laptops.

"We are pleased with the strong educational focus of Apple's proposal, and we look forward to a continued partnership in providing the students of Maine the tools and resources for the 21st Century," commented Bette Manchester, Director of Special Projects for the Department of Education.