Need a Commercial Services Contract in Connecticut? AroundWire Can Help

In Connecticut, contracts for commercial services—encompassing facility maintenance, janitorial, landscaping, security, and related outsourced functions—are governed by a combination of state procurement statutes, agency-specific policies, and general commercial law. Typical contracts must comply with Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Title 4a (State Purchasing), requiring competitive bidding for most state and municipal contracts above certain thresholds, unless an exception applies. Contractors are generally required to hold appropriate business licenses, and specific services (e.g., security, pest control, HVAC) may demand additional state-issued certifications or registrations. Prevailing wage laws may apply to contracts involving public works or building services. Insurance is a standard requirement, with general liability, workers’ compensation, and, where relevant, professional liability and vehicle coverage; minimum coverage amounts are often set by the contracting agency. Indemnification clauses favoring the state or municipality are common, and risk allocation provisions are typically non-negotiable. Payment terms usually follow a net-30 or net-45 structure, subject to Connecticut’s prompt payment laws. Dispute resolution is generally addressed via negotiation or mediation, but the state often reserves the right to litigate in Connecticut courts. Compliance with non-discrimination, affirmative action, and set-aside requirements for minority-, women-, and disabled-owned businesses is frequently mandated. Contractors should be aware of contract audit rights, record retention obligations, and the potential for termination for convenience clauses.