Need a It Contract in Ohio? AroundWire Can Help

In Ohio, IT service contracts—covering areas such as software development, systems integration, managed services, and cloud solutions—are governed by a combination of state procurement statutes and agency-specific policies. Key features typically include clear definitions of deliverables, milestones, and acceptance criteria, with a strong emphasis on data security and privacy in compliance with Ohio Revised Code Section 1347 (regarding personal information systems). Contractors are often required to demonstrate relevant certifications (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001) and, if handling sensitive or government data, to adhere to federal standards like NIST SP 800-53. Ohio mandates insurance coverage, usually including general liability, professional liability (E&O), and cyber liability, with specified minimums and the state named as an additional insured. Payment terms are commonly net 30 days, contingent on acceptance of deliverables, and retainage may apply for longer-term or high-value projects. Risk allocation provisions frequently address data breaches, intellectual property rights, and indemnification. Dispute resolution typically starts with negotiation or mediation, but contracts often stipulate that unresolved issues be litigated in Ohio courts per state law. Compliance with Ohio’s Equal Opportunity and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) requirements may also be necessary, especially for public sector contracts. Contractors should be aware of prevailing wage laws and registration requirements for foreign entities doing business in Ohio.