CANTON — St. Lawrence County is negotiating a contract with Info Quick Solutions for software for the county clerk’s office even though it earlier opened up bidding to make sure it was getting the best price and to avoid any appearance of impropriety because of allegations the company engaged in irregularities with some of its other clients.

County Clerk Mary Lou Rupp had recommended extending a contract with IQS, Liverpool, for document scanning services. IQS has had a contract with the county for records management since 2006. It is paid $9,725 per month.

Legislators, however, wanted to open up the process with a request for proposals to make sure the county was getting the most bang for its buck and to avoid any accusation it was favoring IQS.

The FBI reportedly has investigated IQS and the Oswego County clerk’s office over alleged improprieties involving its contract. A contract between IQS and Luzerne County in Pennsylvania remains in limbo over authorization questions.

In another case into bidding practices within the Essex County clerk’s office and IQS, Franklin County District Attorney Derek P. Champagne, who was named special prosecutor, determined there was no criminal intent. However, his report touched on possible ethical violations.

St. Lawrence County’s request for proposals attracted seven vendors, which were narrowed to three finalists whose price quotes were in the same ballpark, Governmental Services Director Michael J. Cunningham said.

He recommended further negotiations with IQS as it came out on top based on ratings in different categories. IQS also is offering optional pistol permit software, he said.

Mr. Cunningham said he did not know anything about IQS’s troubles other than what was in the news.

“They have not been declared irresponsible,” he said. “The bid process was followed 100 percent here.”

Mr. Cunningham said he and Mrs. Rupp hoped to have a contract worked out with IQS by August for legislators to review.

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