Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Users Satisfied with FIRN2; Options Exist for Future Services to Educational Entities

Report 06-36, April 2006




Report Summary

  • The Florida Information Resource Network (FIRN) was created in the early 1980s to electronically link the state's public education entities to computing resources. Over the years, its services have expanded from providing a means to transmit administrative and student information to providing electronic mail and Internet connections. To meet growing demands, the State Technology Office, on behalf of the Florida Department of Education, contracted with Hayes E-Government Resources to provide educational network services under an arrangement known as FIRN2.
  • Educational entities are generally satisfied with FIRN2 services. However, the demand for bandwidth provided by FIRN2 is increasing as schools expand computer use and adopt new technologies. As a result, future costs for FIRN2 services are expected to increase.
  • The department should develop a strategic plan for addressing the increasing demand for services, and the Legislature may wish to consider several options for providing educational entities with services currently provided through the FIRN2 system.


Related Reports
  1. Education Data Warehouse Serves Important Function; Project Planning and Management Need Strengthening
    Report 09-31 July 2009
  2. Strategic Plan Developed to Enhance FIRN2 Services; Contract Awarded to New Provider
    Report 09-23 April 2009
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
education, school districts, educational network, educational technology, instructional technology, technology, privatization, outsourcing, community colleges, state universities, public libraries, e-rate