Southern Maryland Applied Research and Technology Consortium, Inc. – SMARTCO has been providing for the transfer of excess automated data and other high technology equipment from the Federal Government to non-profit organizations and schools in Maryland for more than fifteen years.

 SMARTCO receives various computer and technology donations from the military and the federal government and other donors. The non-profit then refurbishes this donated equipment and gives it to individuals, non-profits, and schools.

 SMARTCO Secretary. Treasurer, Scott Rowan stated, “The Computers we get from the Navy and the Federal Government are earmarked by agreement specifically for education and non-profit organizations. Computers donated by other individuals and organizations are the ones that we provide to individuals and other entities.”

 

 
 VISTA Volunteer, Kevin
 Perry

According to VISA Volunteer, Kevin Perry, “This year, we have already provided 500 computers to St. Mary’s Schools.” Perry went on to say that the effort is mostly in St. Mary’s County, but that one church from Florida came up to receive a computer.

 Vice Chair and Technical Director, Ron Ciecka said in a phone interview, “We wanted to open up an internet café to help the library, but ran out of funds.” Ciecka went on to say that SMARTCO is having difficulty maintaining funds for operations. “The county is out of funds and so are most of the other organizations that help us out.”

 Ciecka also stated that SMARTCO does not have anyone with enough expertise to be success at writing grants. “We have applied for grants that we were sure we were locked into, but then we don’t hear back anything at all.”

 SMARTCO does get a great deal of help from The Millicent Development Corporation – owners of a shopping center in Lexington Park and from Patuxent Development Company. Between the two organizations, SMARTCO has been allowed office and warehouse space for essentially only the cost of electricity.

 With money tight all around, SMARTCO may not be able to continue to provide free computers. Last year, St. Mary’s County provided $20,000 to SMARTCO, but required that individuals seeking a free computer to work only 20 hours in order to receive the computer. This year, SMARTCO has had to raise the number of volunteer hours to 40 in order to be able to justify giving free computers to individuals.

 
 SMARTCO Site Manager.
 Doug Phillips unloads
 computer equipment
 donated by the Navy.

 Many organizations benefit from SMARTCO’s efforts to transfer technology to those in need. These organizations include schools, abused persons shelters, libraries, community centers and homeless training locations. Donations have impacted all of Southern Maryland including Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s County that have benefited directly with schools receiving much needed technology  to help improve curriculums.

 SMARTCO’s efforts are done primarily by an all volunteer labor force utilizing donations from the community