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Cuomo aide defends high bidder for DMV licenses

By Associated Press

Story Created: Nov 15, 2012 at 3:18 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 15, 2012 at 3:18 PM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A top Cuomo administration aide is weighing into a dispute over the awarding of a contract to produce new driver's licenses with black-and-white photos. He says the choice is the best safeguard against terrorists and identity thieves.

State Director of Operations Howard Glaser is criticizing two state senators who questioned the tentative award of an $88.5 million contract to a Canadian company that was 40 percent higher than the next bid.

Glaser says Thursday the senators should get their facts straight to see if they want to sacrifice New Yorkers' security by going with the lowest bidder.

The two apparent losing bidders complain that CBN Secure Technologies was unfairly chosen.

One competitor, De La Rue North America, says its proposal exceeded the state's security requirements and provides color photos.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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