Meeting quickly Wednesday, the V.I. Next Generation Network’s board approved two small contracts that will cover the cost of gear needed to provide network support to local internet service providers and take care of generator maintenance for fiber access points territorywide.
Wednesday’s meeting on St. Thomas was the first since the abrupt departure of former viNGN Chief Executive Officer Tonjia Coverdale, who resigned during an executive session held at the board’s last meeting in March.
Longtime viNGN board member Peter Schultz has been tapped to lead the company while the board searches for a replacement.
Wednesday’s meeting was free from any additional drama; instead, the board came out of a short executive session only to act on two items before adjourning.
Shultz said that in executive session, the board discussed some of the business activities, along with ongoing efforts to connect with local internet service providers and potential corporations.
To help with that process, the board approved a $204,798 contract with Engines LLC to purchase network hard ware – including switch gear and other components – needed for building out the territory’s broadband network to support the connection of ISPs.
A motion to complete the negotiations was unanimously approved.
Board members also gave Shultz the go ahead to enter into a professional services contract with Import Supply for generator repair and maintenance at fiber access points throughout the territory.
Shultz said Import Supply responded to a request for bids put out for the project and offered a price lower than the minimum cost required for a solicitation.
The board authorized Shultz to negotiate a professional services contract with the company, instead of going through the government’s procurement process, for $8,200 per year.
