Need a It Contract in West Virginia? AroundWire Can Help

In West Virginia, IT service contracts—covering areas such as software development, system integration, managed services, and technical support—are shaped by both state procurement regulations and industry standards. Contracts with state agencies must comply with the West Virginia Code (§5A-3) and the Purchasing Division’s procedures, which require competitive bidding for most projects above statutory thresholds. Vendors must register with the West Virginia Purchasing Division and, in some cases, obtain a West Virginia business license. Data privacy and security provisions are emphasized, particularly for contracts involving personally identifiable information, in alignment with both state and federal law. Insurance requirements typically include general liability, professional liability (errors and omissions), and, where relevant, cyber liability coverage, with minimum coverage amounts specified in solicitation documents. Payment terms often follow a net-30 or net-45 schedule after acceptance of deliverables, but milestone-based payments are common for larger projects. West Virginia favors dispute resolution through negotiation and, if unresolved, mediation or litigation in state courts, as mandatory arbitration clauses are generally disfavored in public contracts. Common risk factors include data breaches, service interruptions, and non-performance, with contracts typically outlining remedies such as liquidated damages or termination rights. Contractors may be required to certify compliance with accessibility standards and prevailing wage laws for certain projects. Overall, clear scope definitions, deliverable acceptance criteria, and ongoing support obligations are standard features in West Virginia IT contracts.