An excerpt from the Freep link above suggests that the state flunked the writing component of the RFP:
“Dunn says in the letter that ACT was given lower marks for having submitted a bid for an “augmented” version of a college entrance exam — one that included a separate writing exam. She said the state’s request for proposals did not explicitly state it was only looking for a college entrance exam. Why does it matter? Dunn said the company’s bid was higher than the SAT because it included the writing test.”