Joint interim committee reviews dozens of state contracts, holds College Board AP item and flags submission problems

A joint interim committee of the Alabama Legislature on Tuesday reviewed more than 40 contract submissions and amendments from state agencies, placing several items on hold and questioning vendors’ costs and recurring procurement submission errors.

The meeting, led by Chairman Roberts, covered contract amendments and new procurements from agencies including the departments of Education, Human Resources, Revenue, Mental Health and others. Committee members held at least one high‑profile item — the Department of Education’s contract with the College Board for Advanced Placement (AP) services — and asked for more information on multiple other contracts before taking final action.

Committee context and why it matters

The panel scrutinized both routine contract extensions and larger procurements. Members flagged persistent submission errors on public‑bid records, questioned the cost and sole‑source justification for a College Board AP contract, and pushed back on the price for a six‑month Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) vendor for a summer nutrition program. Several agencies said proposed work responds to federal or state reporting or regulatory obligations.

Most important actions and discussion

- College Board/AP: Tina Hammons of the Department of Education told the committee that the College Board is the “sole source provider for…