The Cognos contract

Here is the October 2005 e-mail exchange between then-Education Commissioner David P. Driscoll and members of his staff about getting legislative funding for a software contract that was ultimately awarded to Cognos ULC. Driscoll's e-mail explains House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi's influence on the selection of bidders and his OK of Cognos as a recipient of the contract.

From: Driscoll, David P.
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2005 10:16 AM
To: Smith, Sylvia M.; Nellhaus, Jeffrey M; DeLorenzo, Anthony P; Bickerton, Robert P; Thomson, Carole S; Dow, Juliane; Bynoe, John L
Cc: Winklosky, Melanie S; Perlman, Heidi
Subject: E: H.4440 (SUPP BUDGET)
We may have blown an opportunuity. The Speaker was very interested in our bid for the data wharehouse. Now - his interest was in making sure we did not pick a bidder he does not have confidence in - but nonetheless he had Lida Harkins call me twice. We are close to awarding the contract to Cognos (which he is OK with) and I believe we could get his support for a $6m supp. when the next one is considered which I suspect would be around Feb. if revenues remain up - right Tony? I think we are likely too late now.

From: Smith, Sylvia M.
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2005 2:35 PM
To: Driscoll, David P; Nellhaus, Jeffrey M; DeLorenzo, Anthony P; #Historical Data - NDC; Bickerton, Robert P; Thomson, Carole S; Dow, Juliane; Bynoe, John L
Cc: Winklosky, Melanie S; Perlman, Heidi
Subject: FW: H.4440 (SUPP BUDGET)
Importance: High
Let me know if you are interested in submitting any amendments. Thank you. - Sylvia

From: Coelho, Michael (GOV)
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2005 1:54 PM
To: Flagg, Jennifer (EPS); McMillan, Maura (EPS); Schneider, Ellen (EED); Garrity, Robert (DCC); Giles, Joshua (EHS); Smith, Sylvia M.; Paquette, Catherine (EOT); Stone, Kathryn; Steiner, Bethann (ENV); O'Keefe, Joe (ENV)
Cc: Grew, Matthew (EHS); O'Keefe, John (GOV); Garriepy, David (GOV)
Subject: FW: H.4440 (SUPP BUDGET)
Importance: High
Dear Folks:
Here is the supp that will be debated next Tuesday. Please review ASAP. If there are amendments that absolutely need to be filed, please send them to us for review. Amendments must be filed by Tuesday at noon. - Mike