Government contracts Coverage

No-bid contracts in state budget reveal divide between lawmakers and education officials

General Assembly Republicans forced a pair of contracts on the North Carolina Department Public Instruction. One didn't yield a planned pilot project, then lawmakers added $5 million to the budget. The other worries education experts.

Travis Fain and Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL News

Longtime DMV vendor cries foul over new NC driver's license contract

Idemia Identity & Security, which has been printing driver's licenses for North Carolina, says the Division of Motor Vehicles violated state law when it gave a new printing contract to a competitor.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Judicial officials call for patience, prayers as electronic court filing system launches

A new court filing system debuted this week, causing frustration and delays in the legal community. But overall, state officials say, things are going well.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter, and Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

Business owner says too early to call DOT effort on road contracts a success

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is looking to level the playing field when it comes to giving out contract work, leading a year-long effort to help disadvantaged businesses take on jobs with the state.

NCDOT targeting women- and minority-owned small businesses for contracts

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is looking to level the playing field when it comes to giving out contract work, leading a year-long effort to help disadvantaged businesses take on jobs with the state.

Keenan Willard, WRAL Eastern North Carolina reporter

Millions for new nonprofit, video game company in NC coronavirus bill

Wide-ranging coronavirus relief bill includes $3.5 million for a GPS monitoring program and $2.5 million for a science video game.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

'Emergency purchase' lets schools do mid-year tests amid ongoing battle over state contract

North Carolina Superintendent Mark Johnson announced late Tuesday that he made a $928,570 "emergency purchase" so schools can continue using Istation's K-3 reading test while he deals with an ongoing fight over how the state's students are tested.

DOT cash flow fix moves in House, but competing proposal coming

Legislative leadership seems to agree something must be done to help DOT, but details are under discussion.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

Cooper administration defends work of consultant on DOT cash crunch

As House lawmakers prepare to vote on a cash bailout for the state Department of Transportation, a new report on the agency's budgeting processes is raising eyebrows - for its price tag, not its findings.

DOT paid big for report on how to control spending

As House lawmakers prepare to vote on a cash bailout for the state Department of Transportation, a new report on the agency's budgeting processes is raising eyebrows for its price tag, not its findings.

Laura Leslie, Capitol Bureau chief

Evolution of NC license plate bill included apparent preference for sole vendor

It was an innocuous bill with unanimous votes in the legislature. But was something more going on?

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

Bill would help disabled vets get state contracts

Proposal would give disabled veterans chance to beat low bidders.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

Triangle's innovation, high-tech industry stoke espionage fears

The Triangle is a high tech hub that is home to highly regarded research universities that include North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina and Duke University.

Culen Browder, WRAL reporter

Audit: Nearly $14 million wasted in ABC liquor contract

Poor contract management and too much warehouse space cost the state nearly $14 million over 13 years, according to a state audit of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission operations released Thursday.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter

Planners seek $27M or say it's trouble for state IT project

Without that money, "I don't believe any vendor would sign up" to take on a project expected to cost almost $100 million in total, controller's office says.

Travis Fain, WRAL statehouse reporter