Need a It Contract in Tennessee? AroundWire Can Help

IT service contracts with public entities in Tennessee are governed by state procurement regulations, notably the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title 12, which outlines competitive bidding, transparency, and vendor eligibility requirements. Contracts typically require vendors to register with the Tennessee Department of General Services and, if handling sensitive data, comply with the Tennessee Information Protection Act (TIPA) and relevant federal standards (e.g., HIPAA, CJIS for justice agencies). State contracts often mandate evidence of business licensing, and IT professionals may need certifications depending on the scope (for example, cybersecurity roles may require specific credentials). Insurance requirements commonly include general liability, professional liability (errors and omissions), workers’ compensation, and sometimes cyber liability coverage, with the state named as an additional insured party. Payment terms are usually net 30 days post-invoice, contingent on satisfactory deliverables and acceptance testing. Risk factors include strict data security obligations, non-performance penalties, and audit rights reserved by the state. Dispute resolution typically favors negotiation and mediation, with litigation in Tennessee state courts as a last resort. Contracts may also include non-appropriation clauses allowing termination if funding is not available. Additionally, Tennessee prefers clear service level agreements (SLAs), detailed scope of work, and performance metrics to ensure accountability.