ID_Paul: "Is there any way for the public to view this "Appendix 39 Exhibit 37", or otherwise see specific details on how the proposed bonus point system would work?"
I'm not seeing the appendix text on the web site, but as a matter of public record, it should be available from the HQ in Boise. It was probably a power point presentation for the commission, but may have been a text document as well. If/when the Commission revisits the issue there will certainly be news releases and more information available because it will require rule-making by the Commission, which is an open, public process.
Idahoan, I do not know enough about the adminstration of such a system to provide a detailed answer about costs. My understanding is the agency put together a request for proposals, researched options, and generated cost estimates. I'm sure costs would differ between an in-house system vs. one run by a contractor and depend on how much of the draw process (number of species, etc.) is done by the contractor. Many states use contractors for draws in the same way many corporations contract with independent auditing companies or states use contractors for lotteries...to maintain credibility of the system. A contractor is definitely going to charge for initial program development as well as annual processing of applications and maintenance of accounts to keep track of everyone's points, etc. Although a computer program would be similar, if a different company won the contract they would be starting new and an existing contractor would likely have to do some reprogramming because of differences between states. Other costs include things like generating and mailing postcards to applicants, maintaining a toll-free number and website for questions and checking results, conducting checks for applicant eligibility, generating draw statitics, etc. Any new program has costs, both start-up and ongoing, that may not be apparent. For example, you can bet there would be hundreds to thousands of calls and e-mails from people asking questions about how the system works, what their point level is, why they didn't draw, what draw odds are based on points. If the same number of staff people are responding to these issues, it means something else is not being done. To accomplish the existing workload, that means adding staff whether it is a contractor or in-house.
Tom Keegan
IDFG Salmon Region Wildlife Manager
