Need a It Contract in Oregon? AroundWire Can Help

In Oregon, contracts for IT services—covering areas such as software development, systems integration, cybersecurity, and support—are typically governed by state procurement statutes (notably ORS Chapter 279B for public contracting) and administrative rules. Key features include clear scopes of work tied to deliverables, mandatory compliance with statewide IT standards, and requirements for data security in line with Oregon’s data breach notification law (ORS 646A.600–646A.628). Contractors must often demonstrate relevant business licensing, and for certain IT services, staff may need specific certifications (e.g., cybersecurity credentials). Insurance obligations are standard, with general liability and professional liability (errors and omissions) coverage commonly required, and cyber liability insurance becoming increasingly prevalent. Contracts typically include indemnification clauses favoring the state, and limitations on contractor liability may be capped but are subject to negotiation. Payment terms often follow net-30 or net-45 schedules, with progress payments tied to milestone completion. Oregon agencies generally prefer alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation or arbitration, before litigation. Risk factors include strict confidentiality provisions, potential penalties for data breaches, and mandatory background checks for personnel accessing sensitive systems. Additionally, public records laws may affect contract confidentiality, and contracts may require accessibility compliance (e.g., WCAG standards) for digital deliverables. Overall, Oregon’s IT contracting environment emphasizes transparency, data security, and strong risk mitigation.