Smart_Technologies_6065_Panels__Brand_Name_Justification.docx

Brand Name Justification Smart Technologies 6065 Panels

FSI currently uses Smart Technologies interactive Smart Boards in 200 language classrooms. This equipment has reached end of life in about half of the rooms. This solicitation is to update these Smart Boards with the newer generation of Smart Technologies interactive panels. FSI language instructors are all trained on the Smart Boards and with Smart Technologies Notebook Software. By using the new LCD panels from Smart, the disruption and training requirements are minimal compared to training all instructors on a completely new system.

The new panels operate the same way as the existing boards do, with a pen tray, interactive touch capability, and the Notebook Software. FSI has previously purchased two of these panels and found that instructors can intuitively turn them on and operate them the same as they do the existing boards, without any additional training. Half of the classrooms will continue to use the existing Smart Boards and instructors will have to be able to work in classrooms equipped with both systems. They need to be able to work seamlessly from one room to the next. The equipment needs to be as similar as possible to make it easy for the instructors to move from room to room. Equipment from any other manufacturer would require that all instructors and language training supervisors would need to be retrained on the new system and the lesson plans developed over the years with Notebook Software may or may not be compatible with the new system.

It is recommended that FSI specifically purchase the Smart Technologies 6065 Display Panels over any other brand to allow for consistency, minimize training requirements, and allow for maximum efficiency. This equipment is available from a large number of different suppliers and the equipment and installation will be competed on the open market.