October 1, 2024

Mississippi RESAs Award Multi-Year Bulk Purchasing Upgrade and Sustainability Project to Howard Technology Solutions

Jackson, MS – October 1, 2024 – Howard Technology Solutions (HTS) is proud to announce that it has been awarded the much-anticipated Bulk Purchasing Upgrade and Sustainability Project by the Mississippi Education Service Agencies (RESAs), led by the North Mississippi Education Consortium. This prestigious multi-year contract continues the work begun under the “Mississippi Connects” initiative, originally launched in 2020, to enhance and sustain technology access in the state’s K-12 schools.

The Mississippi Connects program has provided a reliable and recurring bulk device procurement system. HTS will play a crucial role in advancing this initiative under the new program, ensuring a continuous, state-wide device refresh program. The partnership between HTS and the MS RESAs benefits Mississippi’s 150 public school districts, including agricultural high schools, specialized institutions such as the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind, the Mississippi School for the Arts, the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, and public charter schools. Additionally, community colleges and other higher education institutions will also be served. The program offered through this partnership also marks a pivotal shift from the one-time pandemic-related funding under “Mississippi Connects” to a reliable, ongoing mechanism for device refresh for Mississippi schools, allowing for technological advancements and emerging educational technologies.

"We are honored and excited to have been chosen as the successful vendor in this process and to have the opportunity to partner with the Mississippi RESAs and the North Mississippi Education Consortium," said Michael Howard, CEO of Howard Industries, Inc. — the parent company of Howard Technology Solutions, "Our goal is to provide a seamless transition from the previous program to this exciting new platform that will provide all MS public educational institutions with an ongoing mechanism to provide cutting-edge technology to their students and faculty.”

HTS was selected through a rigorous competitive bidding process, emerging as the top choice among four technology solutions providers. Our selection highlights our ability to deliver exceptional value and service. Our local presence in Ellisville, MS, and significant economic contributions to the state—including an annual payroll exceeding $220 million, over $100 million in taxes, and more than $100 million in purchases from Mississippi companies—demonstrate our commitment to both the local economy and the broader educational community.

The Bulk Purchasing Program facilitated by the MS RESAs and HTS partnership simplifies schools’ procurement processes, offering the best pricing, options, and flexibility for devices and add-ons. This initiative will enhance technology access for students and teachers in the classroom and at home, ensuring the state’s educational stakeholders will thrive in the digital age.

For further details about this groundbreaking program and the exciting partnership with HTS, please contact: Davis Brock, Teaching & Learning Solutions Manager | (601) 433-2442.