SC in another contract dispute on overdue system

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s long-overdue computer system for tracking deadbeat parents still is not working, as contract disputes continue and federal fines exceed $100 million. The Greenville News reported (http://grnol.co/1b9A8Js ) the state has canceled its contract with Hewlett Packard and wants the company barred from winning future state contracts. HP says the delays are due to the state’s mismanagement. The dispute first goes before a state procurement officer next month and could end up in court. HP is the project’s third vendor. South Carolina has long been the only state not complying with a 1988 law requiring a centralized computer system to enforce child support payments. Escalating fines have amassed since the state missed its 1997 deadline. HP agreed last year to cover the penalties accrued over its contract, through last June.