October 6, 2005

Call Center Contract Brings Jobs Home to Michigan, Saves Taxpayer Money

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the Michigan Department of Management and Budget (DMB) will award Michigan’s Electronic Benefits Transfer contract to Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), pending approval of the state Administrative Board on October 18.  The $48 million contract includes a partnership that will create 20 jobs in Oscoda, with the potential for an additional 25 jobs within one year. 

“This administration’s effort to ensure that we are spending every dollar efficiently and whenever possible here in Michigan is paying off,” said Granholm.  “We are saving money and creating jobs at the same time.”

Oscoda-based Crusecom Technology Consultants will subcontract with ACS to provide call center support for an estimated 75,000 calls per month related to state and federal assistance programs.  Currently, calls are routed to call centers in Florida, Mexico and India.  In addition to creating new Michigan jobs, the competitively bid solicitation will save taxpayers $25.3 million over five years. 

In 2004, Granholm signed two executive directives that gave preferences to Michigan-based job providers in the state government contracting process and, for the first time, required the DMB to consider whether or not a bidder is engaged in exporting jobs or using an offshore tax shelter when determining if a bidder’s proposal provides the best overall value to the state.  Since that time, almost 86 percent of state contract dollars have been spent with Michigan firms. 
“This is good news for northern Michigan,” said State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch).  “Not only will it create jobs for a community in need, but I hope it will also serve as an example of the opportunities that exist for entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the region.”

Art Cruse, president and CEO of Crusecom, maximized business opportunities provided by the State through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and DMB.  MEDC recruited Cruse to relocate to Oscoda from Ohio.  MEDC will also help with employment training for the new call center, which will likely be operated out of the former Wurtsmith Air Force base.  Cruse, a service-disabled veteran, took advantage of DMB’s open door policy by meeting with Acquisition Services Director Sean Carlson regarding state contract opportunities. 

“We’re pleased at the positive economic impacts that result from efficient, coordinated efforts,” said DMB Director Lisa Webb Sharpe.  “MEDC and DMB have developed a full-circle, strong partnership that promotes the diverse economic opportunities for Michigan businesses.” 

As part of the department’s expanded outreach plan, DMB representatives regularly set time aside for vendor meetings.  These opportunities are promoted at outreach events in communities across Michigan and through the regional Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) which receive funding from MEDC.

“DMB is focused on providing the best value for Michigan taxpayers through state contracts,” said Sean Carlson.  “The jobs coming to Michigan under this contract were previously outsourced to other states and other countries.  Thanks to the Governor’s commitment, DMB has been able to bring jobs home to Michigan – this is best value for Michigan taxpayers.”

Carlson encourages owners of small businesses to attend the local events in which DMB participates and to work with their regional experts.  Business owners who wish to review opportunities with state government and locate their PTAC may begin by visiting www.michigan.gov/doingbusiness.

# # #