School board awards $138,760 contract to replace elementary intercom systems

The Salem School Board on June 17 awarded a contract to Telephone Network Technologies of Hooksett, New Hampshire, to replace the intercom control systems at five elementary schools and the Hague Preschool for $138,760.

Why it matters: district staff said the existing elementary and preschool control units are 12–14 years old, no longer supported by manufacturers and in some cases require outdated operating systems for configuration. Replacing the control portion of the systems will bring consistency to devices and reduce the district’s total cost of ownership for ongoing support.

Facilities staff presented the procurement and recommendation. The district issued a competitive bid; resellers representing three manufacturers (Bogen, Rauland/Rowland, and Valcom) responded. Director of Technology (presenter) summarized the bids and recommended awarding the work to the lowest qualified bidder, Telephone Network Technologies, which proposed a Bogen system for all six sites. The vendor presented pricing that produced $138,760 as the low qualified bid.

In board discussion, members asked whether any schools could keep their existing equipment; staff said Hague has a newer Rowland installation but replacing it with Bogen still produced a lower total cost of ownership and would reduce equipment variety across the district. Board member Michael Kim moved the award; it was seconded by Michael Colon. The motion passed unanimously, 5‑0.

Provenance: Administration presented the bid award at the June 17 meeting; the motion to award Telephone Network Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $138,760 passed 5‑0.