Need a It / Networking Contract in Georgia? AroundWire Can Help

In Georgia, IT and networking service contracts—particularly those involving public entities—are governed by a combination of state procurement laws, agency-specific guidelines, and generally accepted industry practices. Contracts typically require vendors to comply with the Georgia Procurement Manual, which mandates competitive bidding for most state contracts and sets forth clear evaluation criteria. Vendors must be appropriately licensed to do business in Georgia, and certain IT services may require additional certifications, such as compliance with the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) standards or federal frameworks (e.g., NIST, if handling sensitive data). Key legal requirements include adherence to state data privacy laws, robust cybersecurity protocols, and explicit confidentiality clauses. Insurance obligations are standard, with general liability, professional liability (errors & omissions), and cyber liability insurance commonly required, often with specified minimum coverage amounts. Payment terms are usually net 30 days, but may vary depending on agency or project size. Risk factors include data breach liability, service level failures, and compliance with evolving security regulations; contracts often incorporate detailed SLAs and penalties for non-performance. Dispute resolution typically favors mediation or arbitration before litigation, per Georgia law. Contracts with state agencies may also be subject to audit rights and require adherence to open records statutes. Notably, many Georgia agencies utilize statewide contracts or cooperative purchasing agreements, which can influence pricing and contract structure.