 "Our innovative program provides Illinois veterans with some of the essential
tools they need to transition into the workforce," said Weems. "We are proud to
be the first state in the nation to offer federal surplus computers to veterans'
organizations and will continue to work with the U.S. General Services
Administration to assist our veterans."Illinois' computer donation program
transfers surplus federal computer equipment to eligible veterans' organizations
and creates greater awareness of President Obama's FOR VETS Act of 2010. CMS
launched its pilot program by donating 100 federal surplus computers to
veterans' organizations at an event in Springfield on Nov. 27.
"The surplus computers being made available today will go a long way toward
helping veterans and their families to transition well," said Borggren. "Most
veterans' organizations do tremendous work on tight budgets, and they will put
these free, Internet-ready laptops straight to work for veterans pursuing
employment and education."
The Illinois State Agency for Surplus Property oversees the distribution of
federal surplus property. Through Illinois' surplus program, the U.S. General
Services Administration and the National Association of State Agencies for
Surplus Property have made computers owned by federal agencies available
exclusively for use by veterans' organizations.
"Part of the U.S. General Services Administration's mission is to responsibly
dispose of gently used items federal agencies no longer need, and we work with
state governments to re-purpose federal personal property in local communities,"
said Ann P. Kalayil, regional administrator for the GSA. "In this case, we're
proud to work with the state of Illinois to make available to the state more
than 100 re-purposed laptops and computers that will help veterans'
organizations provide training and employment assistance to veterans across the
state."
[to top of second column] |
Donated surplus computers are refurbished by a GSA-approved vendor
to include hard-drive cleanup, data wipes and minor repairs,
ensuring the equipment is ready for immediate assignment and use.
Ohio-based company Redemtech equipped donated computers with Windows
7 Professional software, hardware setup instructions, free technical
support, online support and software updates through Microsoft, and
a 90-day warranty. To ensure environmentally safe retirement of the
donated computers, Redemtech is also providing free asset recovery
and recycling of the computers.
In fiscal 2012, CMS received and allocated more than $36.4
million in surplus federal agency equipment, including office
furniture, vehicles, machine-shop tools and other materials to
Illinois police and fire departments, schools, townships, libraries,
not-for-profit organizations, and museums. CMS and the Illinois
State Agency for Surplus Property currently have more than 1,000
organizations participating in the surplus program. Earlier this
year, CMS donated millions of dollars' worth of surplus boots,
coats, mittens and other winter gear to organizations statewide that
provide critical services to people in need.
To receive federal surplus donations in Illinois, homes for
veterans, colleges, work training programs and other humanitarian
organizations must meet GSA's eligibility criteria. More information
on the program is available at
http://cms.illinois.gov/.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Central Management Services
file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
