Need a It Contract in North Carolina? AroundWire Can Help

In North Carolina, contracts for IT services—covering software development, system integration, cloud services, and technical support—are typically governed by both state procurement statutes and specific IT policies overseen by the Department of Information Technology (DIT). Vendors must comply with the North Carolina General Statutes (notably Chapter 143, Article 3D) and adhere to DIT’s security and privacy standards, especially regarding data protection and handling of personally identifiable information. State contracts frequently require vendors to demonstrate relevant professional certifications and, for certain services, may require registration with the Secretary of State. Insurance requirements are standard, often mandating general liability, professional liability (errors and omissions), and cyber liability coverage. Payment terms generally follow the state’s prompt payment policy, with net 30 days being common, though milestone or deliverable-based payments are also used for larger projects. Contracts often include provisions for audit rights, confidentiality, and compliance with accessibility standards (such as Section 508 or WCAG 2.0). Risk allocation is addressed through clear limitations of liability, indemnification clauses, and requirements for business continuity or disaster recovery plans. Dispute resolution typically favors negotiation and mediation before litigation, and the venue is usually set within North Carolina courts. Contractors should also be aware of the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may affect confidentiality clauses and data ownership provisions.