Telecommunications

Declaration of Policy

The Telecommunications section is governed by 5A-7-4, et seq.  This part of State Code defines the duties to provide technical services and assistance to various state agencies to improve telecommunication functions and provide prompt payment to vendors.   It also defines who the provisions in this article do not apply to: the Legislature and Judiciary branches, though they can choose to utilize our services.

Telecommunication Program Basics

The Telecommunications section is responsible for processing orders to vendors of state wide Telecommunication contracts and processing of the monthly bills.  These bills are audited against the contract and orders for correctness, with undisputed amounts being passed onto participating agencies.  

An Administration Fee is to be collected from the participating agencies of no more than $150,000.00 per year to defray the costs of administration.

Each spending unit is to receive a statement of it's share of telecommunication charges within 30 days of receipt of detailed charges, provided all are due by June 30th of the year. The statement is to provide 30 days for the spending unit to submit payment.

Spending units are required to submit payment prior to the statement date to the Telecommunications Services Payment and Reserve Fund.

Failure of a spending unit to pay/transfer funds can result in the Secretary of the Department of Administration sweeping the spending unit's account for the funds plus an additional penalty in the amount of three percent of the statement amount.

If a spending unit contests any portion of its statement, the spending unit shall still remit payment in full and notify the division in writing in thirty days of receipt of the statement.  Any approved adjustments will be reflected on future invoices.