Need a It Contract in Montana? AroundWire Can Help

In Montana, IT service contracts with state and local government entities typically emphasize compliance with the Montana Procurement Act and relevant sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), particularly Title 18. Contractors must ensure adherence to state data privacy and cybersecurity standards, including Montana’s Information Technology Act and applicable federal requirements (such as HIPAA or CJIS, if handling sensitive data). Contracts often require vendors to possess appropriate business licenses and, in some cases, demonstrate specific IT certifications (e.g., for cybersecurity or cloud services). Insurance obligations routinely include general liability and professional liability (errors and omissions) coverage, with the state named as an additional insured. Indemnification clauses are standard, with vendors generally bearing responsibility for data breaches or service failures. Payment terms tend to follow a net-30 schedule, but may be contingent on deliverable acceptance and subject to legislative appropriation. Montana contracts often contain strong confidentiality provisions and may restrict data storage or processing to U.S. locations. Risk factors include mandatory background checks for personnel with system access and requirements for disaster recovery and service continuity planning. Dispute resolution usually favors negotiation and mediation prior to litigation, with venue set in Montana courts. The state also enforces non-discrimination and equal opportunity requirements in line with state and federal law. Contractors should be aware of Montana’s public records laws, which may affect the confidentiality of submitted materials.