DFA Signs Temporary Contract with Biotrack for Marijuana Sales Tracking
Arkansas’s Department of Finance and Administration has recently signed a ‘bridge contract’ with Florida-based software company Biotrack to continue tracking medical marijuana sales in the state. The previous $2.8 million deal expired in December, forcing the state to secure a temporary agreement. While negotiations for a long-term contract with four vendors are ongoing, the ‘bridge contract’ with Biotrack, worth $80,000, will keep operations running smoothly until a permanent solution is found.
Scott Hardin, the Department’s spokesman, shared that this short-term contract enables regulators to monitor inventory at dispensaries and other facilities easily. It’s set to last until December 13, 2025, but Arkansas has the flexibility to switch to a new system whenever a long-term deal is confirmed. This temporary fix ensures compliance within the medical marijuana industry until a more permanent solution is implemented.
Hardin did not provide specific details on why a long-term contract has not been established yet, stating that negotiations with potential vendors are ongoing. The Department’s active request for proposal prohibits divulging negotiation specifics, but the focus remains on securing a stable, long-term partnership for tracking medical marijuana sales efficiently.
Biotrack, owned by Alleaves Inc., was chosen as the interim solution despite its past association with Michael Shvartsman, who faced securities fraud charges. Shvartsman’s involvement in a trading scheme prompted legal action, but the company assured its separation from him. Despite this history, Arkansas sees Biotrack as a suitable temporary partner until a permanent agreement is reached to track medical marijuana sales in the state.
