- Title
- 2026 Retainer Contract Opportunity for Information Technology (IT) Services
- Pdf Text
- Page 1 of 28
Revised: July 23, 2026
Department of Buildings and General Services Agency of Administration
Office of Purchasing & Contracting
133 State Street, 5th Floor | Montpelier VT 05633-8000
802-828-2211 phone |802-828-2222 fax
http://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing
SEALED BID
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Retainer Contract Opportunity for Information Technology (IT) Services
ISSUE DATE: July 23, 2026
QUESTIONS DUE BY: August 6, 2026 at 4:30 PM (EST)
RFP RESPONSES DUE BY: RFP RESPONSES WILL BE ACCEPTED ANYTIME AFTER RESPONSES TO
QUESTIONS ARE POSTEDTHROUGH September 2, 2026 at 4:30 PM
BIDS MAY BE SUBMITTED THROUGH VERMONT’S EPROCUREMENT SYSTEM, VTBUYS, LINK
TO THE SYSTEM CAN BE
FOUND: https://vtbuys.suppliers.vermont.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?ReturnUrl=%2fpage.aspx%2fen%
2fbuy%2fho mepage
BIDS MAY ALSO BE SUBMITTED THROUGH OTHER ELECONTRIC MEANS IDENTIFIED WITHIN
THIS RFP. IF USING OTHER MEANS IDENTIFIED, PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL
NOTIFICATIONS, RELEASES, AND AMENDMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RFP WILL BE
POSTED AT:
http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids/bids.php
THE STATE WILL MAKE NO ATTEMPT TO CONTACT INTERESTED PARTIES WITH UPDATED
INFORMATION. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH BIDDER TO PERIODICALLY CHECK THE
ABOVE WEBPAGEFOR ANY AND ALL NOTIFICATIONS, RELEASES AND AMENDMENTS
ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RFP.
PURCHASING AGENT: Kevin Cooke
E-MAIL: SOV.ThePathForward@vermont.gov
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Revised: July 23, 2026
1. OVERVIEW:
1.1. SCOPE AND BACKGROUND: Through this Request for Proposal (RFP) the State of Vermont, through
its Office of Purchasing & Contracting (hereinafter the “State”) seeks to pre-qualify information technology
(IT) vendors to provide IT professional services in one or more categories of services described in
Section 2 of this RFP. Bidders deemed qualified by the State in any one or more service categories under
this RFP shall execute the State’s Retainer Contract for IT Professional Services, which is attached to
this RFP. The State maintains multiple retainer contracts with vendors in each of the several categories of
IT services. The retainer contract establishes (1) the process for a State Agency/Department to engage
IT vendors for services in any of their awarded categories (2) the terms and conditions applicable to the
vendor’s provision of services when engaged by a State Agency/Department, and (3) the roles and
maximum allowable rates applicable to each category of service. As structured, the retainer contract
enables State Agencies/Departments to efficiently obtain competitive pricing proposals to meet a
business need from multiple vendors that have been pre-qualified in the applicable category of service. At
least every two years the State issues this RFP to qualify and/or re-qualify IT vendors in the IT service
categories.
1.1.1. New Retainer Suppliers: Vendors without an active IT Retainer Contract with the State of
Vermont IT Retainer Contracts listed online here are invited to submit a full response to this RFP
to be considered for pre-qualification of IT services in one or more desired categories.
1.1.2. Active Retainer Suppliers: All active IT Retainer Contracts IT Retainer Contracts listed online
here expire in January 2027. Therefore, Active Retainer Suppliers are invited to re-qualify and
extend their contract by submitting a response to this RFP in accordance with the following:
a) Active Retainer Suppliers do not need to submit a technical response for existing awarded
IT service categories.
b) However, Active Retainer Suppliers seeking to pre-qualify for new IT service categories
must submit a technical response addressing each new category.
c) Active Retainer Suppliers must submit a response that complies with all other
requirements of this RFP and are invited to propose lower labor costs.
1.1.3. The State reserves the right limit the number of pre-qualified Suppliers for each IT service
category.
1.1.4. This RFP pertains to IT services only. The State will not be purchasing hardware or software via
this RFP.
1.1.5. All responses to this RFP must conform to the detailed and general RFP requirements set forth
herein.
1.2. Purchasing Entities: Resulting Contract(s) may be used by (a) all departments, offices, institutions, and
other agencies of the State of Vermont and counties (each a “State Purchaser”) according to the process
for ordering and other restrictions applicable to State Purchasers set forth herein; and (b) political
subdivisions of the state (including, but not limited to, cities, towns, and school districts) and any
institution of higher education chartered in Vermont and accredited or holding a certificate of approval
from the State Board of Education as authorized under 29 V.S.A. § 902 (each an “Additional Purchaser”).
Issues concerning interpretation and eligibility for participation are solely within the authority of the State
of Vermont Chief Procurement Officer. The State of Vermont and its officers and employees shall have
no responsibility or liability for Additional Purchasers. Each Additional Purchaser is to make its own
determination whether Contract(s) are consistent with its procurement policies and regulations.
1.3. CONTRACT TERM: Contracts arising from this RFP will be for a term ending January 31, 2032. This
end date coincides with all existing IT Retainer agreements at which time a complete refresh is
anticipated.
1.4. SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT: All communications concerning this RFP are to be addressed in writing
to the State Contact listed on the front page of this RFP. Actual or attempted contact with any other
individual from the State concerning this RFP is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.
1.5. BIDDERS’ CONFERENCE CALL: A bidders’ conference call will NOT be held.
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Revised: July 23, 2026
1.6. QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD: Any bidder requiring clarification of any section of this RFP or
wishing to comment on any requirement of the RFP must submit specific questions in writing no later than
the deadline for question indicated on the first page of this RFP. Questions may be e-mailed to the point
of contact on the front page of this RFP. Questions or comments not raised in writing on or before the last
day of the question period are thereafter waived. At the close of the question period a copy of all
questions or comments and the State's responses will be posted on the State’s web site
http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids/bids.php . Every effort will be made to post this information as soon as
possible after the question period ends, contingent on the number and complexity of the questions. All
information provided by vendors during this process will be public and bidders shall not provide
confidential information, except as specifically permitted in this RFP.
1.7. CHANGES TO THIS RFP: Any modifications to this RFP will be made in writing by the State through the
issuance of an Addendum to this RFP and posted online at http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids/bids.php .
Modifications from any other source are not to be considered.
2. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS:
2.1. Specific Bid Requirements: The State’s service specifications for contracted IT Services are set forth at
Attachment A1: IT Service Categories, Roles and Rates, which is attached separately to this RFP and will
become part of the resulting Retainer Contract for IT Professional Services awarded from this RFP. In
responding to this RFP, a Bidder’s Technical Response shall address its capabilities relative to these
specifications for any and each category of service for which the Bidder would like to be considered for
pre-qualification by the State. Additionally, a Bidder must indicate the service categories it intends to bid on
by completing Attachment A1: IT Service Categories, Roles and Rates attached separately to this RFP.
3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
3.1. PRICING: Bidders must price the terms of this solicitation at their best pricing. Any and all costs that
Bidder wishes the State to consider must be submitted for consideration. If applicable, all equipment
pricing is to include F.O.B. delivery to the ordering facility. No request for extra delivery cost will be
honored. All equipment shall be delivered assembled, serviced, and ready for immediate use, unless
otherwise requested by the State.
3.1.1.Prices and/or rates shall remain firm for the term of the contract. The pricing policy submitted by Bidder
must (i) be clearly structured, accountable, and auditable and (ii) cover the full spectrum of materials
and/or services required.
3.2. STATEMENT OF RIGHTS: The State shall have the authority to evaluate Responses and select the
Bidder(s) as may be determined to be in the best interest of the State and consistent with the goals and
performance requirements outlined in this RFP. The State of Vermont reserves the right to obtain
clarification or additional information necessary to properly evaluate a proposal. Failure of bidder to
respond to a request for additional information or clarification could result in rejection of that bidder's
proposal. The State reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, in whole or in part, with or
without cause, and to waive technicalities in submissions. The State also reserves the right to make
purchases outside of the awarded contracts where it is deemed in the best interest of the State.
3.2.1.Best and Final Offer (BAFO). At any time after submission of Responses and prior to the final
selection of Bidder(s) for Contract negotiation or execution, the State may invite Bidder(s) to provide a
BAFO. The state reserves the right to request BAFOs from only those Bidders that meet the minimum
qualification requirements and/or have not been eliminated from consideration during the evaluation
process.
3.2.2.Presentation. An in-person or webinar presentation by the Bidder may be required by the State if it
will help the State’s evaluation process. The State will factor information presented during
presentations into the evaluation. Bidders will be responsible for all costs associated with providing
the presentation.
3.3. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:
3.3.1.Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCOI): An OCOI arises when a bidder as a business entity has
interests (for example, customers, partners, contracts) that could undermine, or reasonably be
perceived to undermine, its faithful and unbiased performance of a contract with the State that may
result from this solicitation.
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Revised: July 23, 2026
3.3.2.Personal Conflict of Interest (PCOI): A PCOI arises when an interest held by an individual, agent or
employee of a bidder could undermine, or reasonably be perceived to undermine, its faithful and
unbiased performance of a contract with the State that may result from this solicitation.
3.3.3.Requirements: The State does not seek to contract with any individual or business entity having a
conflict of interest which cannot be mitigated to the State’s satisfaction. To ensure the State’s
awareness of actual, potential, or reasonably perceived PCOIs and OCOIs, bidders shall:
d) Prior to submitting a proposal, conduct an internal review of its current affiliations and activities
and identify actual, potential, or reasonably perceived PCOIs or OCOIs relative to a contract
with the State that may result from this solicitation.
e) Disclose in your proposal any actual or potential PCOI or OCOI or the existence of any facts
that may cause a reasonably prudent person to perceive a PCOI or OCOI with respect to a
contract with the State that may result from this solicitation. Disclose, also, any actions
proposed to mitigate the PCOI or OCOI.
3.3.4.The State shall have sole discretion to determine whether a PCOI or OCOI can be mitigated to the
State’s satisfaction and may discuss the conflict with the bidder if and to the extent the State deems
discussion necessary to its determination. The State reserves the right to (a) reject from further
consideration any proposal having a PCOI or OCIO that cannot be mitigated to the State’s full
satisfaction and (b) terminate a contract upon discovery that a contractor failed to disclose facts
pertaining to a PCOI or OCOI in its proposal, or otherwise misrepresented relevant information to the
State.
3.4. WORKER CLASSIFICATION COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: In accordance with Section 32 of The
Vermont Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Act No. 54), Bidders must comply with the following
provisions and requirements.
3.4.1.Self Reporting: For bid amounts exceeding $250,000.00, Bidder shall complete the appropriate
section in the attached Certificate of Compliance for purposes of self-reporting information relating to
past violations, convictions, suspensions, and any other information related to past performance
relative to coding and classification of workers. The State is requiring information on any violations
that occurred in the previous 12 months.
3.4.2.Subcontractor Reporting: For bid amounts exceeding $250,000.00, Bidders are hereby notified that
upon award of contract, and prior to contract execution, the State shall be provided with a list of all
proposed subcontractors and subcontractors’ subcontractors, together with the identity of those
subcontractors’ workers compensation insurance providers, and additional required or requested
information, as applicable, in accordance with Section 32 of The Vermont Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Act No. 54). This requirement does not apply to subcontractors providing
supplies only and no labor to the overall contract or project. This list MUST be updated and provided
to the State as additional subcontractors are hired. The subcontractor reporting form is not
required to be submitted with the bid response.
3.5. EXECUTIVE ORDER 05-16: CLIMATE CHANGE CONSIDERATIONS IN STATE PROCUREMENTS:
For bid amounts exceeding $25,000.00 Bidders are requested to complete the Climate Change
Considerations in State Procurements Certification, which is included in the Certificate of Compliance for
this RFP.
After consideration of all relevant factors, a bidder that demonstrates business practices that promote
clean energy and address climate change as identified in the Certification, shall be given favorable
consideration in the competitive bidding process. Such favorable consideration shall be consistent with
and not supersede any preference given to resident bidders of the State and/or products raised or
manufactured in the State, as explained in the Method of Award section. But, such favorable
consideration shall not be employed if prohibited by law or other relevant authority or agreement.
3.6. METHOD OF AWARD: Awards will be made in the best interest of the State. The State may award one or
more contracts and reserves the right to make additional awards to other compliant bidders at any time if
such award is deemed to be in the best interest of the State. All other considerations being equal,
preference will be given first to resident bidders of the state and/or to products raised or manufactured in
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Revised: July 23, 2026
the state, and then to bidders who have practices that promote clean energy and address climate change,
as identified in the applicable Certificate of Compliance.
3.6.1.Evaluation Criteria: Consideration shall be given to the Bidder’s pricing and to its qualifications and
experience, as demonstrated by, among other things, technical strengths and success in completing
projects involving relevant services. Bidder acceptance of contract terms and conditions included
with this RFP will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
3.7. COST OF PREPARATION: Bidder shall be solely responsible for all expenses incurred in the preparation
of a response to this RFP and shall be responsible for all expenses associated with any presentations or
demonstrations associated with this request and/or any proposals made.
3.8. CONTRACT TERMS: The selected bidder(s) will be expected to sign a contract with the State in the form
of the Retainer Contract for IT Professional Services and its associated Attachments, which is attached to
this RFP. Bidder and its legal counsel are expected to carefully review and be prepared to be bound by
the terms of the Retainer Contract for IT Professional Services and its associated Attachments, including
without limitation, Attachment C: Standard State Provisions for Contracts and Grants. The State will not
consider exceptions to contract terms and conditions included with this RFP.
3.8.1.Business Registration. Although not required at time of bid submission, to be awarded a contract by
the State of Vermont a bidder (except an individual doing business in his/her own name) must be
registered with the Vermont Secretary of State’s office Business Filings - Vermont Secretary of State
and must register accounts for all tax types (income, sales and use, payroll withholding, etc.) for
which they anticipate a liability with the Vermont Department of Taxes at https://tax.vermont.gov/ .
3.8.2.The contract will obligate the bidder to provide the services and/or products identified in its bid, at the
prices listed as determined during the SOW process.
3.8.3.Payment Terms. Percentage discounts may be offered for prompt payments of invoices; however,
such discounts must be in effect for a period of 30 days or more in order to be considered in making
awards.
3.8.4.Retainage. In the discretion of the State, a Statement of Work (SOW) Agreement resulting from
Contract awarded as a result of this RFP, may provide that the State withhold a percentage of the
total amount payable for some or all deliverables, such retainage to be payable upon satisfactory
completion and State acceptance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.
3.9. PERFORMANCE MEASURES: In accordance with current State of Vermont policy and procedures, a
Statement of Work (SOW) Agreement resulting from Contract awarded as a result of this RFP may
include performance measures. The specific performance measures will be determined during the SOW
process.
4. CONTENT AND FORMAT OF RESPONSES: The content and format requirements listed below are the
minimum requirements for State evaluation. However, the State discourages overly lengthy and costly
proposals, and Bidders are advised to include only such information in their response as may be relevant to the
requirements of this solicitation.
4.1. Unsolicited Bidder-Confidential Information Prohibited. Bidders are hereby expressly directed not to
include any confidential information in their proposal submissions. By submitting a proposal in response to
this RFP, vendors acknowledge and agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in this document,
including the prohibition on submitting confidential information. This prohibition reduces the burden on the
State while preventing vendor-confidential information from entering the public record.
4.2. Disclosure under Public Records Act. All information received by the State in response to this
solicitation will become part of the contract file and subject to public disclosure in accordance with the
State’s Public Records Act, 1 V.S.A. § 315 et seq. The State may also choose to publicly post responses to
this solicitation and the resulting agreement(s), following conclusion of this procurement process.
4.3. Unsolicited Confidential Materials. This RFP does not solicit or require bidder confidential information
and bidders are expressly prohibited from providing confidential information in response to this RFP. All
materials furnished by bidders in response to this RFP, including those marked as confidential by bidders,
are subject to disclosure if requested under the Public Records Act, or public posting.
4.4. State Not Responsible for Disclosure of Unmarked Vendor-Confidential Information. It is the
sole responsibility of the bidder to ensure that, other than where specifically directed or permitted by this
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Revised: July 23, 2026
RFP and accordingly marked as described below, no information that should not be publicly disclosed is
included in their proposal materials, including any 1) trade secrets or intellectual property, 2) proprietary
financial or business information, 3) personal information, or 4) any other information that should not be
disclosed to the public. For example, bidders should avoid including specific details of their proprietary
technologies or methodologies that they consider confidential, and any references to previous client
engagements should be presented in a manner that does not disclose the client's confidential information.
4.5. The bid should include a Cover Letter and Technical Response and Price Schedule.
4.6. COVER LETTER:
4.6.1.The cover letter must state whether the bidder is a New or Active Retainer Supplier.
4.6.2.If bidder is an Active Retainer Supplier, the cover letter must list any new IT service categories the
bidder seeks to pre-qualify for.
4.7. TECHNICAL RESPONSE: In response to this RFP, and subject to the special requirements pertaining to
Active Retainer Suppliers, a Bidder shall:
4.7.1.Provide details concerning your form of business organization, company size and resources.
4.7.2.Describe your capabilities and particular experience relevant to the RFP requirements.
4.7.3.If you have experience working with the State of Vermont, identify all current or past State projects.
Provide the name of the Vermont department or agency and the project title or a brief description of
the work. Do not include references or statements from State of Vermont agencies or employees.
4.7.4.Identify the names of all subcontractors you intend to use, the portions of the work the subcontractors
will perform, and address the background and experience of the subcontractor(s), in response to the
questions described above in this section.
4.8. REFERENCES: The State may, during evaluation of responses, request references from any one or more
bidders. Any such request will be made in writing directly to the bidder(s).
4.9. PRICE SCHEDULE: Bidders shall submit their pricing information in Attachment A1: IT Service Categories,
Roles and Rates attached to the RFP.
4.10. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE: This form must be completed and submitted as part of the response
for the proposal to be considered valid.
5. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
5.1. CLOSING DATE: Bids must be received by the State by the due date specified on the front page of this
RFP. Late bids will not be considered.
5.1.1.The State may, for cause, issue an addendum to change the date and/or time when bids are due. If a
change is made, the State will inform all bidders by posting at the webpage indicated on the front
page of this RFP.
5.1.2.There will not be a public bid opening. However, the State will record the name, city and state for any
and all bids received by the due date. This information will be posted as promptly as possible
following the due date online at: https://bgs.vermont.gov/content/opc-bid-tabulation-sheets-0 .
Bidders are hereby notified to review the information posted after the bid opening deadline to confirm
receipt of bid by the State. Any bidder that submitted a bid, and is not listed on the bid tabulation
sheet, shall promptly notify the State Contact listed on the front page of this RFP.
5.2. ELECTRONIC BIDS ONLY: All bids under this RFP must be submitted electronically in accordance with
the submission requirements herein. Electronic bids will be accepted via email submission to
SOV.ThePathForward@vermont.gov. The email submission must reference the procurement name “2026
Retainer Contract Opportunity for Information Technology (IT) Services”.
5.2.1.Bids must consist of a single email with a single, digitally searchable PDF attachment containing all
components of the bid. Multiple emails and/or multiple attachments will not be accepted.
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Revised: July 23, 2026
5.2.2.There is an attachment size limit of 40 MB. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to compress the PDF file
containing its bid if necessary to meet this size limitation. It is also the Bidder's responsibility to ensure
that their own email system can send and receive messages up to this size.
5.3 Bids may also be submitted through Vermont’s eProcurement System, VTBuys, link to the system can be
found: https://vtbuys.suppliers.vermont.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?ReturnUrl=%2fpage.aspx%2fen%2fbu
y%2fho mepage
6. BID SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:
Cover Letter
Technical Response (subject to the special requirements pertaining to Active Retainer Suppliers)
A1: IT Service Categories, Roles and Rates
Signed Certificate of Compliance
7. ATTACHMENTS:
7.1. Retainer Contract for IT Professional Services, with its associated attachments (A-D)
7.2. Certificate of Compliance
7.3. Attachment A1: IT Service Categories, Roles and Rates (note: this information will be included in the
resulting Retainer Contract as Attachment A1 consistent with any award under this RFP)
7.4. Worker Classification Compliance Requirement; Subcontractor Reporting Form for Use With SOW-RFPs
Under the IT Retainer Program
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Revised: July 23, 2026
2026 Retainer Contract Opportunity for Information Technology (IT) Services
Page 1 of 3
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
For your bid to be considered valid, this form must be completed in its entirety, executed by a duly
authorized representative of the bidder, and submitted as part of the response to the proposal.
A. NON COLLUSION: Bidder hereby certifies that the prices quoted have been arrived at without collusion
and that no prior information concerning these prices has been received from or given to a competitive
company. If there is sufficient evidence to warrant investigation of the bid/contract process by the Office of
the Attorney General, bidder understands that this paragraph might be used as a basis for litigation.
B. CONTRACT TERMS: Bidder hereby acknowledges that it has read, understands and agrees to the terms of
this RFP, including Attachment C: Standard State Contract Provisions, and any other contract attachments
included with this RFP.
C. WORKER CLASSIFICATION COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT: In accordance with Section 32 of The
Vermont Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Act No. 54), the following provisions and requirements
apply to Bidder.
Self-Reporting. Bidder hereby self-reports the following information relating to past violations, convictions,
suspensions, and any other information related to past performance relative to coding and classification of
workers, that occurred in the previous 12 months.
Summary of Detailed
Information
Date of Notification Outcome
Subcontractor Reporting. Bidder hereby acknowledges and agrees that if it is awarded an IT Retainer
Contract, then, prior to signing of any SOW Agreement where subcontractors are permitted to perform
services, Bidder will provide to the State a list of all proposed subcontractors and subcontractors’
subcontractors, together with the identity of those subcontractors’ workers compensation insurance providers,
and additional required or requested information, as applicable, in accordance with Section 32 of The Vermont
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Act No. 54), and Bidder will provide any update of such list to the
State as additional subcontractors are hired. Bidder further acknowledges and agrees that the failure to
submit subcontractor reporting in accordance with Section 32 of The Vermont Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009 (Act No. 54) will constitute non-compliance and may result in cancellation of contract and/or
restriction from bidding on future state contracts.
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2026 Retainer Contract Opportunity for Information Technology (IT) Services
Page 2 of 3
D. Executive Order 05 – 16: Climate Change Considerations in State Procurements Certification
Bidder certifies to the following (Bidder may attach any desired explanation or substantiation.
Please also note that Bidder may be asked to provide documentation for any applicable claims):
1. Bidder owns, leases or utilizes, for business purposes, space that has received:
Energy Star® Certification
LEED®, Green Globes®, or Living Buildings Challenge℠ Certification
Other internationally recognized building certification:
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Bidder has received incentives or rebates from an Energy Efficiency Utility or Energy Efficiency
Program in the last five years for energy efficient improvements made at bidder’s place of business.
Please explain:
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Please Check all that apply:
Bidder can claim on-site renewable power or anaerobic-digester power (“cow-power”). Or bidder
consumes renewable electricity through voluntary purchase or offset, provided no such claimed
power can be double-claimed by another party.
Bidder uses renewable biomass or bio-fuel for the purposes of thermal (heat) energy at its place of
business.
Bidder’s heating system has modern, high-efficiency units (boilers, furnaces, stoves, etc.), having
reduced emissions of particulate matter and other air pollutants.
Bidder tracks its energy consumption and harmful greenhouse gas emissions. What tool is used to
do this? _____________________
Bidder promotes the use of plug-in electric vehicles by providing electric vehicle charging, electric
fleet vehicles, preferred parking, designated parking, purchase or lease incentives, etc..
Bidder offers employees an option for a fossil fuel divestment retirement account.
Bidder offers products or services that reduce waste, conserve water, or promote energy efficiency
and conservation. Please explain:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
4. Please list any additional practices that promote clean energy and take action to address climate
change:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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2026 Retainer Contract Opportunity for Information Technology (IT) Services
Page 3 of 3
Bidder Name: Contact Name:
Address: Fax Number:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
By: Name:
Signature of Bidder (or Representative) (Type or Print)
END OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
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Revised: July 23, 2026
Retainer Contract for IT Professional Services Contract # _______
Insert Vendor Name
STANDARD CONTRACT
1. Parties. This is a contract (hereinafter “Retainer Contract”) between the State of Vermont, through its
Department of Buildings and General Services, Office of Purchasing & Contracting (“State”), and INSERT
VENDOR NAME, with principal place of business at INSERT ADDRESS (“Contractor”). Contractor’s form
of business organization is INSERT ENTITY TYPE. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to contact the
Vermont Department of Taxes to determine if, by law, the Contractor is required to have a Vermont
Department of Taxes Business Account Number.
2. Subject Matter. This Retainer Contract authorizes and establishes requirements for State Agencies to procure
from Contractor certain information technology professional services in the categories set forth in Attachment
A1 hereto. Contractor services shall only be provided pursuant to Statement of Work (SOW) Agreement
executed with a State Agency. Contractor agrees to provide its services at or below the established rates and
subject to and in accordance with all requirements of this Retainer Contract, and Contractor understands and
agrees that the terms and conditions of this Retainer Contract shall apply to the Contractor’s performance of
services under any SOW Agreement.
3. Contract Term. The term of this Retainer Contract shall begin on February 1, 2027, and end on January 31,
2032. Upon the termination of this Retainer Contract, no new SOW Agreements may be issued, any
outstanding SOW Agreements shall continue unless or until terminated in accordance with the terms of the
SOW Agreement, and the Parties acknowledge and agree that the terms of this Retainer Contract shall survive
and apply to each outstanding SOW Agreement.
4. Prior Approvals. In accordance with current State law, bulletins, and interpretations, this Retainer Contract
shall not be binding until it has been approved by the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, the Secretary of
Administration, and the State’s Chief Information Officer.
5. Amendment. No changes, modifications, or amendments in the terms and conditions of this Retainer
Contract shall be effective unless reduced to writing, numbered and signed by the duly authorized
representative of the State and Contractor. The parties acknowledge and agree that the SOW Agreement
process set forth herein shall not be used to effectuate any changes, modifications, or amendments in the
terms and conditions of this Retainer Contract, and that any provision in a SOW Agreement purporting to
modify the terms and conditions established by this Retainer Contract shall be null and void.
6. Termination for Convenience. This Retainer Contract may be terminated by the State at any time by giving
written notice at least thirty (30) days in advance.
7. Attachments. This Retainer Contract consists of pages including the following attachments which are
incorporated herein and shall apply to each SOW Agreement executed pursuant to this Retainer Contract:
• Attachment A: General Scope of Work
• Attachment A1: IT Service Categories, Roles and Rates
• Attachment B: Payment Provisions
• “Attachment C: Standard State Provisions for Contracts and Grants” a preprinted form (02/13/2026).
The term “Agreement” as used in Attachment C shall be deemed to refer to this Retainer Contract
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Revised: July 23, 2026
and each SOW Agreement entered into by Contractor hereunder. The term “State” as used in
Attachment C shall be deemed refer to the State and any Agency of the State that enters into a SOW
Agreement with Contractor.
• Attachment D: Information Technology Professional Services Terms and Conditions (12/09/2025).
The term “State” as used in Attachment D shall be deemed refer to the State and any Agency of the
State that enters into a SOW Agreement with Contractor.
8. Order of Precedence. Any ambiguity, conflict or inconsistency among the documents comprising this Master
Agreement shall be resolved according to the following order of precedence:
1. Standard Contract (Pages 1 and 2 of this document)
2. Attachment C (Standard Contract Provisions for Contracts and Grants)
3. Attachment D (Technology Terms and Conditions)
4. Attachment A
5. Attachment A1
6. Attachment B
9. Purchasing Entities. This Contract may be used by:
(a) State Purchasers, meaning all departments, offices, institutions, and other agencies of the State of
Vermont and counties (each a “State Purchaser”) subject to the purchasing procedure and documentation
required by this Agreement; and
(b) Additional Purchasers, meaning all political subdivisions of the State of Vermont (including, but not
limited to, cities, towns, and school districts) and any institution of higher education chartered in Vermont
and accredited or holding a certificate of approval from the State Board of Education as authorized under 29
V.S.A. § 902 (each an “Additional Purchaser”). The State of Vermont and its officers and employees shall
have no responsibility or liability for Additional Purchasers. An Additional Purchaser must make its own
determination whether this Agreement is consistent with its procurement policies and regulations and may
identify and utilize its own appropriate purchasing procedure and documentation.
WE THE UNDERSIGNED PARTIES AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS MASTER AGREEMENT.
State of Vermont [Insert Contractor Name]
By: By:
Name: Name:
Title: Title:
Date: Date:
Page 13 of 28
Revised: July 23, 2026
ATTACHMENT A: GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK
1. This Retainer Contract is executed pursuant to the State’s IT retainer services program under which
Contractor has been pre-qualified by the State to provide professional services in one or more of the
categories identified and described in Attachment A1 of this agreement (the “Services”).
2. Contractor agrees to provide, when requested by an agency, department, office, commission, board or
other authority of the State of Vermont (“Agency”), its Services subject to and consistent with all
requirements set forth herein.
3. Contractor Services shall only be performed if and to the extent required in a Statement of Work
(SOW) Agreement executed directly with an Agency. Services performed under a SOW Agreement
shall be subject to and governed by the terms and conditions of this Retainer Contract.
4. Requirements for Ordering Applicable to State Purchasers Only. The following requirements apply
as between Contractor and State Purchasers only and are not applicable to Additional Purchasers. An
Additional Purchaser may adopt procedures for purchasing under this Agreement as necessary to
comply with its procurement policies and regulations.
A. The State’s Agency of Digital Services is the only entity authorized to place orders on behalf of
State Agencies. SOW Agreements placed from any other source shall not be binding against the
State, or the State Agency. Contractor can verify orders for State Agencies by contacting
sov.itcontractingandprocurement@vermont.gov . Contractor agrees that it will not accept SOW
Agreements placed on behalf of State Agencies from any other source. Contractor’s failure to meet
this requirement may result in suspension or termination of this Retainer Contract.
B. The State’s process for an Agency to procure IT retainer services from pre-qualified vendors is
set forth online at
https://bgs.vermont.gov/purchasing%20and%20contracting/current%20contrats/information-
technology , which information is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.
Contractor agrees that it must follow the State’s process to obtain and execute SOW
Agreements against this Retainer Contract.
5. SOW Agreements executed against this Retainer Contract shall specify, at a minimum:
A. The detailed description of the Service(s) necessary to meet the Agency’s business requirements,
consistent with any one or more of the categories of service authorized by this Retainer Contract;
B. The place and time period for performance;
C. The Contractor roles and rates, or other pricing elements consistent with this Retainer Contract;
D. The Agency’s billing address;
E. The name and contact information for the Agency’s primary contact and the Contractor’s primary
contact for the project;
F. The maximum amount payable by the Agency to Contractor under the SOW Agreement, which
shall be subject to the category-specific SOW limits, as established by the State and maintained
online at the website listed in section 4, above;
G. A unique identifier for the SOW Agreement; and
H. The State of Vermont Contract Number.
6. SOW Agreements may include additional terms as necessary to comply with local, state or federal laws
or regulations applicable to the Agency. By way of information, and without limitation:
A. When required in a SOW Agreement, Contractor’s security controls shall conform to the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) including the Standards for the
Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information at 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164 (“Privacy
Page 14 of 28
Revised: July 23, 2026
Rule”), the Security Standards at 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164 (“Security Rule”), as amended by
subtitle D of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and the
Federal Information Security Management Act (“FISMA”), 44 U.S.C. 3541 et seq. and Family
Education Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (FERPA), as a
- Issue Date
- Jul 23, 2026
- Due Date Raw
- 09/02/2026 04:30PM
- Detail Fetched
- Yes
- Questions Due Raw
- 08/06/2026 04:30PM
