30-270072-DPH Smartsheet Business Plan Software Renewal - Final IFB - Rev 9.29.26.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- Doc2403597779
- Issued by
- North Carolina
About this file
Smartsheet Business Plan Plus Premium Support Procurement Summary
This Invitation for Bids (IFB) 30-270072-DPH is issued by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health to procure Smartsheet Business Plan Plus Premium Support with Control Center and Dynamic View applications. The procurement requires 50 paid Business Plan Plus users with Premium Support, Dynamic View configurations up to 500, and Smartsheet Control Center support for up to 5,000 active projects. Sealed offers are due October 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time via the Ariba Sourcing Module, with public opening at that same date and time via Microsoft Teams. Questions must be submitted by October 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time to Angela Childress at angela.childress@dhhs.nc.gov. The initial contract term is six months effective October 23, 2026, with the State retaining options to extend for two additional three-month periods. This is a brand-specific procurement requiring vendors to be authorized Smartsheet resellers and to provide proof of authorization within seven calendar days of request or face bid rejection. No bidders conference is scheduled, though technical resources are available through the NC eProcurement Help Desk.
Pricing must be submitted separately for the initial six-month term and optional three-month renewal periods, with subscription fees in subsequent years not to exceed 5% annual increases unless otherwise agreed. Payment terms are Net 30 days after receipt of a correct invoice, with a 10% retainage pending final acceptance by the Purchasing State Agency. Award will be made to one vendor based on best value analysis using the lowest price technically acceptable source selection method. Software access must be delivered within five consecutive calendar days of purchase order receipt. The State classifies this procurement as handling Restricted data and requires vendors to either possess GovRAMP Authorized status at time of award or agree to achieve it within 21 months of contract award; vendors without current certification must submit a GovRAMP Security Snapshot Score and enroll in the GovRAMP Progressing Snapshot program. Vendors must comply with North Carolina Department of Information Technology security standards, implement NIST 800-53 controls, and encrypt all non-public State data in transit and at rest using FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography. All work must be performed within the United States, and vendors must provide disclosure statements regarding work location, corporate structure, E-Verify compliance, and submit architectural diagrams detailing network architecture and technology stack.
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OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE
The State seeks offers for the software and software support described in this solicitation. The State’s acceptance of any offer must be demonstrated by execution of the acceptance found below and any subsequent Request for Best and Final Offer, if issued. Acceptance shall create a contract having an order of precedence as follows: In cases of conflict between documents comprising the contract, the order of precedence shall be (1) Best and Final Offers, if any, (2) special terms and conditions specific to this solicitation, (3) specifications, (4) Department of Information Technology Terms and Conditions of this solicitation, and (5) the agreed portions of the awarded Vendor’s offer. No contract shall be binding on the State until an encumbrance of funds has been made for payment of the sums due under the contract.
EXECUTION
In compliance with this solicitation and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned offers and agrees to furnish any or all Services or goods upon which prices are offered, at the price(s) offered herein, within the time specified herein. By executing this offer, I certify that this offer is submitted competitively and without collusion.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA INVITATION FOR BIDS NO. 30-270072-DPH
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES (DHHS)
Division of Public Health (DPH)
Offers will be publicly opened: October 8, 2026 Promptly at 02:00 PM ET
Microsoft Teams meeting Join:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/244 384422336322?p=DrmxNyLDTtRBqGN pfi Meeting ID: 244 384 422 336 322 Passcode: h8T2YJ2c
Need help? | System reference Dial in by phone +1 984-204-1487,,834432736# United States, Raleigh Find a local number Phone conference ID: 834 432 736# Join on a video conferencing device Tenant key: ncgov@m.webex.com Video ID: 119 064 473 4 More info For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN
Issue Date: September 29, 2026
Refer ALL inquiries regarding this IFB to:
Angela Childress Angela.Childress@dhhs.nc.gov
Commodity Number: 811620
Description: Smartsheet Business Plan Plus Premium Support
Using Agency: Division of Public Health
See page 4 for offer submittal instructions. Requisition No.: RQ294559 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/244384422336322?p=DrmxNyLDTtRBqGNpfi https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/244384422336322?p=DrmxNyLDTtRBqGNpfi https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/244384422336322?p=DrmxNyLDTtRBqGNpfi https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjU2YjczODQtYTMyYi00Mjg4LWE3NjYtYTk3YzA5ZWY0ODhj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a74b82dc-4079-4085-9914-62ada35c84b9%22%7d tel:+19842041487,,834432736 https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/c102d528-0544-4660-b869-294e85047e28?id=834432736 https://www.webex.com/msteams?confid=1190644734&tenantkey=ncgov&domain=m.webex.com https://teams.microsoft.com/meetingOptions/?organizerId=a74b82dc-4079-4085-9914-62ada35c84b9&tenantId=7a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19&threadId=19_meeting_ZjU2YjczODQtYTMyYi00Mjg4LWE3NjYtYTk3YzA5ZWY0ODhj@thread.v2&messageId=0&language=en-US https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/usp/pstnconferencing
IFB Number: 30-270072-DPH
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Failure to execute/sign offer prior to submittal shall render offer invalid. Late offers are not acceptable.
OFFEROR:
STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:
CITY, STATE & ZIP: PHONE:
NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING: E-MAIL:
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: DATE:
Offer valid for sixty (60) days from date of offer opening unless otherwise stated here: ____ days
ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER
If any or all parts of this solicitation are accepted, an authorized representative of Department of Health and Human Services shall affix their signature hereto. A copy of this acceptance will be forwarded to the successful vendor(s).
FOR STATE USE ONLY
Offer accepted and contract awarded _____________________________________, as indicated on attached certification, by _____________________________________________ (Authorized representative of DHHS).
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTENT, USE, DURATION AND SCOPE
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 VENDOR QUESTIONS
2.2 ADDENDUM TO SOLICITATION
2.3 ELECTRONIC OFFER SUBMITTAL
2.4 BASIS FOR REJECTION
2.5 LATE OFFERS
2.6 NON-RESPONSIVE OFFERS
2.7 NOTICE TO VENDOR(S)
2.8 E-PROCUREMENT SYSTEM
2.9 DISTRIBUTORS AND RESELLERS
2.10 POSSESSION AND REVIEW
2.11 BEST AND FINAL OFFERS (BAFO)
2.12 AWARD
2.13 POINTS OF CONTACT
3.0 SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 VENDOR STANDARD AGREEMENT(S)
3.2 VENDOR UTILIZATION OF WORKERS OUTSIDE U.S. – DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
3.3 E-VERIFY
3.4 BRAND SPECIFIC PRODUCT
3.5 SECURITY SPECIFICATIONS
3.6 ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SPECIFICATIONS
3.7 SPECIFICATIONS
3.8 DELIVERY
3.9 CONTRACT TERM
4.0 FURNISH AND DELIVER
5.0 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS
6.0 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SAAS)
7.0 NCDHHS PRIVACY AND SECURITY OFFICE (PSO) TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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1.0 INTENT, USE, DURATION AND SCOPE
The purpose of this Invitation for Bid (IFB) is to obtain pricing for and procure Smartsheet Business Plan Plus Control Center and Dynamic View Applications Premium Support for the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health (DPH). Products and Services will be provided in accordance to the terms and conditions of this IFB.
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 VENDOR QUESTIONS
All inquiries regarding the solicitation specifications or requirements must be addressed to the contact person listed on Page One of this solicitation via the Ariba Sourcing Tool’s message board. Vendor contact regarding this Solicitation with anyone other than the contact person listed on Page One of this Solicitation may be grounds for rejection of said Vendor’s offer.
Written questions concerning this Solicitation will be received until October 5, 2026 at 02:00 pm Eastern Time. They must be submitted to the contact person listed on Page One of this Solicitation via angela.childress@dhhs.nc.gov. Please enter “Questions Solicitation XXXX” as the subject for the message. Questions should be submitted in the following format:
REFERENCE VENDOR QUESTION
Solicitation Section, Page Number
2.2 ADDENDUM TO SOLICITATION
The Agency will issue an Addendum to provide a response to all questions received in accordance with Section 2.1-VENDOR QUESTIONS, above.
The Agency may issue additional Addenda as needed to modify the specifications, requirements, terms and conditions, etc. Critical information may be included in these Addenda. It is important for Vendors to periodically check the website for any and all Addenda that may be issued prior to the bid opening date.
All Addenda will be posted on the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) website at https://evp.nc.gov and will become Addenda to this solicitation.
2.3 ELECTRONIC OFFER SUBMITTAL
Due Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: BEFORE 02:00 PM Eastern Time
Sealed offers, subject to the conditions made a part hereof, will be received by the time and date specified above and then opened for furnishing and delivering the commodity as described herein.
It is the Vendor’s sole responsibility to submit its offer by the specified time and date of opening.
The Vendor shall bear the risk for late electronic submission due to unintended or unanticipated delay including, but not limited to, internet issues, network issues, local power outages, or application issues. No offers are able to be uploaded in Ariba after the deadline/bid opening date and time.
a) Submit one (1) signed, original electronic offer via the Ariba Sourcing Module. The Vendor to include the Execution Page 1 WITH the remaining pages of the solicitation in one PDF.
The Execution Page 1 must be signed and dated by an official authorized to bind the Vendor’s firm. Failure to return a signed offer shall result in disqualification.
mailto:angela.childress@dhhs.nc.gov https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fevp.nc.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7Candrea.pacyna%40nc.gov%7C018d5d0a9c674f32cc4e08dee88fcd46%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C639203901504717360%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WkoU%2B%2BBgXOaqIbsooR06hUlVLkGgHwNopOnDeIFRcE8%3D&reserved=0
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b) File names should identify the Vendor, solicitation, and document in that order (Vendor Name –
Solicitation Number – Offer, etc.).
c) Files must not be password protected. They must be in .PDF, .DOC or .XLS format and capable of being copied to other sources. The Vendor’s offer may be deemed non-responsive if the Agency is unable to open the file(s).
d) If the offer contains any confidential information (as defined in the NCDIT Terms and Conditions, “CONFIDENTIALITY” Section), the Vendor must provide one (1) redacted electronic copy in addition to the original copy.
Tips for Using the Sourcing Tool
1. Vendors should review available training and confirm that they are able to access the Sourcing Event, enter responses, and upload files well in advance of the date and time response are due to allow sufficient time to seek assistance from the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk.
2. Vendors may submit their responses early to make sure there are no issues and then submit a revised response any time prior to the response due date and time. The State will only review the most recent response.
3. Vendors should respond to all relevant sections of the Sourcing Event. Certain questions or items are required in order to submit a response and are denoted with an asterisk. The Sourcing Tool will not allow a response to be submitted unless all required items are completed. The Sourcing Tool will provide error messages to help identify any required information that is missing when response is submitted.
4. Simply saving your response in the Sourcing Tool is not the same as submitting your response to the State. Vendors should make sure they complete the submission process and receive a message that their response was successfully submitted.
5. Only Bids submitted through the Content Section of the Ariba Sourcing Event will be considered. Bids submitted through the Message Board will not be accepted or considered for award.
Questions or issues related to using the Ariba Sourcing Tool itself can be directed at the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888-211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.
2.4 BASIS FOR REJECTION
Pursuant to 9 NCAC 06B.0401, the State reserves the right to reject any and all offers, in whole or in part; by deeming the offer unsatisfactory as to quality or quantity, delivery, price or service offered;
non-compliance with the specifications or intent of this solicitation; lack of competitiveness; error(s) in specifications or indications that revision would be advantageous to the State; cancellation or other changes in the intended project, or other determination that the proposed requirement is no longer needed; limitation or lack of available funds; circumstances that prevent determination of the best offer; or any other determination that rejection would be in the best interest of the State. Vendor contact regarding this IFB with anyone other than Angela Childress may be grounds for rejection of said Vendor’s offer.
2.5 LATE OFFERS
Regardless of cause, late offers will not be accepted and will automatically be disqualified from further consideration. It shall be the Vendor’s sole risk to ensure delivery in the designated manner by the designated time. Late offers will not be opened.
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2.6 NON-RESPONSIVE OFFERS
Vendor offers will be deemed non-responsive by the State and will be rejected without further consideration or evaluation if statements such as the following are included:
• “This offer does not constitute a binding offer”,
• “This offer will be valid only if this offer is selected as a finalist or in the competitive range”,
• “Vendor does not commit or bind itself to any terms and conditions by this submission”,
• “This document and all associated documents are non-binding and shall be used for discussion purposes only”,
• “This offer will not be binding on either party until incorporated in a definitive agreement signed by authorized representatives of both parties”, or
• A statement of similar intent.
2.7 NOTICE TO VENDOR(S)
The State objects to and will not be required to evaluate or consider any additional terms and conditions not previously agreed to by the State and submitted with an Offeror’s response.
This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Offeror’s response. By execution and delivery of this IFB and response(s), the Offeror agrees that any additional terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect.
2.8 E-PROCUREMENT SYSTEM
The State utilizes the NC eProcurement (NCEP) system to process requisitions and issue purchase orders. See http://eprocurement.nc.gov/ and General Terms and Conditions, Electronic Procurement for more information.
a) It is the Vendor’s responsibility to read these provisions carefully and to consider them in preparing the response. By signature, the Vendor acknowledges acceptance of all provisions related to NCEP.
b) The transaction fee addressed in General Terms and Condition, Electronic Payment (currently at 1.75%) applies to the purchase of goods only. It does not apply to Vendor Hosted Solutions, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, software maintenance/support services, or any other type of services.
c) If not already registered in NCEP, the Vendor must register within two (2) days after notification of contract award.
d) The Vendor must be current on all NCEP fees prior to submitting a response. Otherwise, the State may disqualify the Vendor from participating in this solicitation.
2.9 DISTRIBUTORS AND RESELLERS
“Resellers” as used herein, refers to businesses that routinely sell or distribute Vendor’s Products, and may include “Distributors”, “Value Added Resellers” (VARs), “Original Equipment Manufacturers” (OEMs), Channel Partners, or such other designations. These businesses must be approved by the State prior to placement of any orders. Any contract established will be subject to this solicitation and any resulting Agreement(s), and to the terms and conditions of the State’s competitive bidding process.
The Agency acknowledges that the Reseller has merely purchased the Third-Party Items for resale or license to the Agency, and that the proprietary and intellectual property rights to the Third-Party Items are owned by parties other than the Reseller (“Third Parties”). The Agency further acknowledges that except for the payment to the Reseller for the Third-Party Items, all of its rights and obligations with respect thereto flow from and to the Third Parties. The Reseller shall provide http://eprocurement.nc.gov/
Page 7 of 34 Aug 5, 2026 the Agency with copies of all documentation and warranties for the Third-Party Items which are provided to the Reseller. The Reseller shall assign all applicable third-party warranties for Deliverables to the Agency.
Is the Vendor an authorized reseller for the SMARTSHEET products as listed in Section 4.0 Furnish and Deliver? YES NO
If yes, the State may request an authorized reseller letter. If requested, the Vendor must provide a copy of the authorized reseller letter from the OEM within seven (7) calendar days of request.
Failure to provide the authorized reseller letter within the stated timeframe may result in rejection of the bid, at the discretion of the State. Bids from Vendors that are not authorized to resell the products or services in this IFB may be rejected at the discretion of the State.
2.10 POSSESSION AND REVIEW
During the evaluation period and prior to award, possession of the bids and accompanying information is limited to personnel of the issuing agency, and to the committee responsible for participating in the evaluation. Vendors who attempt to gain this privileged information, or to influence the evaluation process (i.e. assist in evaluation) will be in violation of purchasing rules and their offer will not be further evaluated or considered.
After award of contract the complete bid file will be available to any interested persons with the exception of trade secrets, test information or similar proprietary information as provided by statute and rule. Any proprietary or confidential information which conforms to exclusions from public records as provided by N.C.G.S. §132-1.2 must be clearly marked as such in the offer when submitted.
2.11 BEST AND FINAL OFFERS (BAFO)
The State may establish a competitive range based upon evaluations of offers, and request BAFOs from the Vendor(s) within this range, e.g. “Finalist Vendor(s)”. If negotiations or subsequent offers are solicited, the Vendor(s) shall provide BAFO(s) in response. Failure to deliver a BAFO when requested shall disqualify the non-responsive Vendor from further consideration. The State will evaluate BAFO(s), oral presentations, and product demonstrations as part of the Vendors’ respective offers to determine the final rankings.
2.12 AWARD
It is the general intent to award this contract to one (1) Vendor. As provided by statute, award will be based on Best Value Analysis, Lowest Price Technically Acceptable Source Selection Method in accordance with 09 NCAC 06B. 0302 Information Technology Procurement.
2.13 POINTS OF CONTACT
Contact by the Offeror with the persons shown below for contractual and technical matters related to this RFQ is only permitted if expressly agreed to by the purchasing lead named on page 5, or upon award of contract:
For Vendor completion:
Vendor Contractual Point of Contact Vendor Technical Point of Contact Name of Vendor:
Street:
City, State, Zip:
Email:
Name of Vendor:
Street:
City, State, Zip:
Email:
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State Contractual Point of Contact State Technical Point of Contact Name of State Agency:
Street:
Name of State Agency:
Street:
3.0 SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 VENDOR STANDARD AGREEMENT(S)
The terms and conditions of Vendor’s standard license, maintenance or other agreement(s) applicable to Software and other Products acquired under this Agreement may apply to the extent such terms and conditions do not materially change the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Vendor’s standard agreement(s), the terms and conditions of this Agreement relating to audit and records, jurisdiction, choice of law, the State’s electronic procurement application of law or administrative rules, the remedy for intellectual property infringement and the exclusive remedies and limitation of liability in the Terms and Conditions herein shall apply in all cases and supersede any provisions contained in Vendor’s relevant standard agreement or any other agreement. The State shall not be obligated under any standard license and/or maintenance or other Vendor agreement(s) to indemnify or hold harmless the Vendor, its licensors, successors or assigns; nor arbitrate any dispute, nor pay late fees, legal fees or other similar costs.
3.2 VENDOR UTILIZATION OF WORKERS OUTSIDE U.S. – DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
In accordance with the Statewide Information Security Manual (SISM), the State restricts the location of information systems that receive, process, store, or transmit State and Federal data to the United States which includes the following areas: US States, US Territories, US Embassies, and US Military installations (stateside or overseas). This restriction applies to the Vendor and to any subcontractors engaged to provide Services under this Agreement or with access to State Data.
The Vendor must ensure that its subcontractor agreements contain the same restrictions and will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing subcontractor compliance at all times.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143B-1361(b), the Vendor must complete and return this Disclosure Statement herein with its solicitation response. The Vendor may attach additional pages to its response if needed. The State of North Carolina will evaluate Disclosure Statement Information for additional risks, costs, and other factors associated with its service prior to making an award for any such Vendor’s offer. The Vendor must provide the following information in its bid response:
Vendor to complete a.-e. in their offer:
a. The location of work performed under a state contract by the Vendor, any subcontractors, employees, or other persons performing the contract and whether any of this work will be performed outside the United States.
Vendor to enter text here to answer this disclosure question:
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b. The corporate structure and location of corporate employees and activities of the Vendor, its affiliates or any other subcontractors.
Vendor to enter text here to answer this disclosure question:
c. Vendor agrees to provide notice of the relocation of the Vendor, employees of the Vendor, subcontractors of the Vendor, or other persons performing Services under a state contract outside of the United States in the event such relocation occurs during the contract term.
Does Vendor agree to provide notice as defined above? YES NO
d. Vendor agrees that any Vendor or subcontractor providing call or contact center Services to the State of North Carolina shall disclose to inbound callers the location from which the call or contact center Services are being provided.
Does Vendor agree to provide disclosure as defined above? YES NO
e. Will any work under this contract be performed outside the United States? YES
NO
The use of resources or workers located outside the United States is a critical security exception that must be escalated to the State Chief Information Officer for review pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143B- 1376(c) and §143B-1320(c). These critical security exceptions are approved only in rare and extenuating circumstances. Vendor should account for this when preparing its response.
3.3 E-VERIFY
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143B-1350(k), the State shall not enter into a contract unless the awarded Vendor and each of its subcontractors comply with the E-Verify requirements of N.C.G.S. Chapter 64, Article 2. Vendors are directed to review the foregoing laws. Any awarded Vendor must submit a certification of compliance with E-Verify to the awarding agency, and on a periodic basis thereafter as may be required by the State.
3.4 BRAND SPECIFIC PRODUCT
Manufacturer(s) name and product descriptions used in this solicitation are product specific. The items offered in response to this solicitation must be the manufacturer and type specified. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in rejection of offer.
3.5 SECURITY SPECIFICATIONS
3.5.1 SOLUTIONS NOT HOSTED ON STATE INFRASTRUCTURE
The Agency (named on page one (1)) has designated this solicitation to receive and securely manage data that is classified as:
Agency has selected:
Restricted - Restricted data represents the highest risk to the State, State Agencies, and constituents if it is disclosed or compromised. This information is likely to be regulated by State or Federal law, and access to it is restricted to a limited audience (e.g., State and Federal Tax x
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Information [FTI], Payment Card data, Protected Health Information [PHI], Criminal Justice Information [CJI], Social Security Administration provided information, etc.)
Confidential - Includes information that is limited to a small audience with a need-to-know or legitimate business case (e.g., State employee personnel records, trade secrets, student records, sensitive public security information, etc.). If exposed to unauthorized parties, data from this category will cause high impact consequences such as regulatory fines, inability to recruit talent, loss of confidence, and/or damage to vendor relationships. This is not a complete list and is subject to legislative changes.
Internal - This is information typically used within the agency and not for public sharing. Most documents are classified as Internal within the organization, and most State employees would have access. This type of data, if exposed to unauthorized parties, would have a very limited impact on an agency’s reputation, compliance requirements or ability to achieve strategic goals.
Internally classified data does not contain direct identifiers. Often, the effects of the loss of data can be recognized in very subtle ways and may not lead to clear negative consequences causing confusion due to lack of context or minor reputational harm.
Public - Data that is open to public inspection according to state and federal law, or readily available through public sources.
Refer to the North Carolina Statewide Data Classification and Handling policy for more information regarding data classification. The policy is located at the following website:
https://it.nc.gov/document/statewide-data-classification-and-handling-policy.
To comply with the State’s Security Standards and Policies, State agencies are required to perform annual security/risk assessments on their information systems using NIST 800-53 controls.
This requirement additionally applies to all Vendor-provided, agency-managed Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions which will handle data classified as Internal, Confidential, or Restricted.
(a) To comply with the State’s Security Standards and Policies, cloud products are required to comply with applicable FedRAMP or GovRAMP security requirements, including but not limited to, continuous monitoring, incident response, and data classification as outlined in GovRAMP documentation.
(b) To streamline and standardize this requirement the State has adopted GovRAMP which is a Risk and Authorization Management Program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. GovRAMP’s security verification model is based on NIST 800-53 Rev. 5 (or current).
(c) The required GovRAMP verified status will depend on the sensitivity of the data and processes supported by the solution as defined in the Statewide Data Classification and Handling Policy.
(d) For purposes of this solicitation, in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Information Technology Statewide Information Security Manual, a GovRAMP verified status of Authorized is required. At offer submission, if the protected system does not currently hold a validated GovRAMP status, the Vendor will be required to provide their GovRAMP Security Snapshot Score and upon request, the complete Snapshot Matrix. If awarded the contract, Vendor shall have an interim period from the effective date of the contract to achieve the verified GovRAMP status outlined above. The interim time periods for each data classification that requires a verified status are further described below. The Vendor shall provision access to the State to their continuous monitoring packages at a [standard] or [elevated] access level within fourteen (14) days of contract award, and seven (7) days of any subsequent GovRAMP status changes. If a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is https://it.nc.gov/document/statewide-data-classification-and-handling-policy
Page 11 of 34 Aug 5, 2026 required by the Vendor, a copy of the NDA must be uploaded with the response and executed by the Vendor and the State at the time of contract award.
a. Public - For third-party cloud services where the highest category of information to be processed is Public data, the Vendor must submit an updated score for the product annually throughout the contract duration that meets or exceeds the original score at time of contract award. Products with GovRAMP Core, Ready, Authorized or Provisionally Authorized statuses or FedRAMP Rev. 5 authorization also satisfy the security requirement.
b. Internal - For third-party cloud services where the highest category of information to be processed is Internal data, the Vendor must either achieve the status of GovRAMP Core prior to award, or agree to achieve GovRAMP Core status within an interim time period, no later than twelve (12) months from the effective date of the contract.
c. Confidential - For third-party cloud services where the highest category of information to be processed is Confidential data, the Vendor must either achieve a status of GovRAMP Ready, or agree to achieve GovRAMP Ready status no later than fifteen
(15) months from the effective date of the contract.
d. Restricted - For third-party cloud services where the highest category of information to be processed is Restricted Data, the Vendor must either achieve a status of GovRAMP Authorized, or agree to achieve GovRAMP Authorized status no later than twenty-one
(21) months from the effective date of the contract.
Upon contract award, Vendor’s who submitted a GovRAMP Security Snapshot Score will be required to enroll in the GovRAMP Progressing Snapshot program prior to any data being transferred, stored or processed. The Vendor must complete their first Progressing Snapshot within ninety (90) days of award, with the expectation that progress will be made on a quarterly basis and access to progress reports must be provisioned to the State.
Products must maintain their participation in the Progressing Snapshot program and continued access to progress reports must be provisioned to the State until such time that they have achieved the minimum verified status outlined above. The State will review the Vendor’s progress on a quarterly basis and, in its sole discretion, may determine that the Vendor is not making satisfactory progress in the Progressing Snapshot program.
Satisfactory progress shall be a material requirement of the contract.
(e) If the Vendor holds a FedRAMP Rev. 5 authorization at time of award, this authorization can be accepted in lieu of a GovRAMP authorization. Authorizations obtained via the FedRAMP 20x Pilot Program will not be permitted.
If the Vendor’s cloud product currently holds a FedRAMP Authorized designation, at the time of award, the State may require the Vendor to initiate and actively pursue, within thirty
(30) days of award, the GovRAMP Fast Track Process, to achieve a GovRAMP Provisionally Authorized or Authorized status in order to satisfy Statewide continuous monitoring requirements.
Additional Security Documentation. Prior to contract award, the State may in its discretion require the Vendor to provide additional security documentation, including but not limited to, vulnerability assessment reports and penetration test reports. The awarded Vendor shall provide additional security documentation upon request by the State during the term of the contract.
Refer to: https://it.nc.gov/documents/statewide-glossary-information-technology-terms for descriptions of the Application Criticality categories.
Refer to: http://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/FIPS/NIST.FIPS.199.pdf for descriptions of NIST system confidentiality, integrity, and availability categories.
https://it.nc.gov/documents/statewide-glossary-information-technology-terms http://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/FIPS/NIST.FIPS.199.pdf
Page 12 of 34 Aug 5, 2026
3.6 ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SPECIFICATIONS
3.6.1 ARCHITECTURE DIAGRAMS
The State utilizes architectural diagrams to better understand the design and technologies of a proposed solution. The two diagrams are Network Architecture and Technology Stack. Details on these diagrams can be found at the following link: https://it.nc.gov/resources/statewide-it-procurement/vendor-engagement-resources#Tab-Architecture-1192
The provision of these two diagrams is preferred at offer submission. If they are not supplied at that time, the State will formally request this information from the Vendor and if it is not supplied within one (1) calendar week, the offer will be considered non-responsive and will not be evaluated.
There may be additional architectural diagrams requested of the vendor after contract award. This will be communicated to the vendor by the agency as needed during the project.
3.6.2 SOLUTION ROADMAP - RESERVED
3.6.3 IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT - RESERVED
3.6.4 INTEGRATION APPROACH - RESERVED
3.6.5 DISASTER RECOVERY AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY - RESERVED
3.6.6 DATA MIGRATION - RESERVED
3.6.7 APPLICATION MANAGEMENT - RESERVED
3.6.8 ACCESSIBILITY - RESERVED
ENTERPRISE, SERVICES, AND STANDARDS
Agencies and vendors should refer to the Vendor Resources Page for information on North Carolina Department of Information Technology regarding architecture, security, strategy, data, digital, identity and access management and other general information on doing business with state IT process.
The Vendor Resources Page found at the following link: https://it.nc.gov/vendor-engagement-resources. This site provides vendors with statewide information and links referenced throughout the IFB document. Agencies may request additional information.
3.7 SPECIFICATIONS
1. Smartsheet Business Plan with Premium Support Package for fifty (50) paid users
2. Dynamic View up to 500 configurations
3. Smartsheet Control Center up to 5,000 Active Projects
NOTE: The Agency is currently using the Smartsheet plan listed above. The need for implementation and configuration services is not anticipated.
3.8 DELIVERY
Successful Vendor will complete supply of the delivery of software access within five (5) consecutive calendar days after receipt of purchase order electronically to the location designated in the Notice of Award.
If circumstances beyond the control of the contractor result in a late delivery [or installation], it is the responsibility and obligation of the contractor to notify the Purchasing Agent listed on the purchase order, in writing, immediately upon determining the delay of shipment. The written notification should indicate the anticipated delivery date.
https://it.nc.gov/resources/statewide-it-procurement/vendor-engagement-resources#Tab-Architecture-1192 https://it.nc.gov/resources/statewide-it-procurement/vendor-engagement-resources#Tab-Architecture-1192 https://it.nc.gov/vendor-engagement-resources https://it.nc.gov/vendor-engagement-resources
Page 13 of 34 Aug 5, 2026
3.9 CONTRACT TERM
A contract awarded pursuant to this IFB shall have an effective date of OCTOBER 23, 2026, unless otherwise stated in the Notice of Award. The term shall be SIX (6) MONTHS unless otherwise stated in the Notice of Award, or unless terminated earlier. The State retains the option to extend this contract for two (2) additional periods of three (3) months each at its sole discretion.
4.0 FURNISH AND DELIVER
SIX-MONTH TERM:
ITEM #
QTY
UNIT
DESCRIPTION
UNIT COST
EXTENDED COST
1 50 Each Business Plan plus Premium Support Package – Paid User Subscription Period: Six (6) Months
2 1 Each Dynamic View up to 500 configurations Subscription Period: Six (6) Months
3 1 Each Smartsheet Control Center up to 5,000 Active Projects Subscription Period: Six (6) Months
Total Offer Cost SIX (6) MONTHS $_____________
OPTIONAL COSTS: MAY OR MAY NOT BE PURCHASED
THREE-MONTH RENEWAL OPTION #1:
Paid User Subscription Period: Three (3) Months
2 1 Each Dynamic View up to 500 configurations Subscription Period: Three (3) Months
3 1 Each Smartsheet Control Center up to 5,000 Active Projects Subscription Period: Three (3) Months
Total Offer Cost Option #1 THREE (3) MONTHS $_____________
Page 14 of 34 Aug 5, 2026
THREE-MONTH RENEWAL OPTION #2:
Paid User Subscription Period: Three (3) Months
2 1 Each Dynamic View up to 500 configurations Subscription Period: Three (3) Months
3 1 Each Smartsheet Control Center up to 5,000 Active Projects Subscription Period: Three (3) Months
Total Offer Cost Option #2 THREE (3) MONTHS $_____________
Grand Total Offer Cost TWELVE (12) MONTHS $____________
5.0 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS
1) READ, REVIEW AND COMPLY: It shall be the Vendor’s responsibility to read this entire document, review all enclosures and attachments, and comply with all requirements specified herein.
2) DEFINITIONS:
• NCDIT: The North Carolina Department of Information Technology, formerly Office of Information Technology Services
• NCDIT CONVENIENCE CONTRACT: A contract that is used for the procurement of IT goods or Services. These contracts are in place for the convenience of the state and use of them is optional.
• OPEN MARKET CONTRACT: A contract for the purchase of goods or Services not covered by a term, technical, or convenience contract.
• TERM CONTRACT: A contract in which a source of supply is established for a specified period of time for specified Services or supplies; usually characterized by an estimated or definite minimum quantity, with the possibility of additional requirements beyond the minimum, all at a predetermined unit price
• THE STATE: Is the state of North Carolina and its agencies.
• VENDOR: Company, firm, corporation, partnership, individual, etc., submitting a response to a solicitation.
3) PROMPT PAYMENT DISCOUNTS: Vendors are urged to compute all discounts into the price offered. If a prompt payment discount is offered, it will not be considered in the award of the contract except as a factor to aid in resolving cases of identical prices.
4) CLARIFICATIONS/INTERPRETATIONS: Any and all questions regarding this document must be addressed to the purchaser named on the cover sheet of this document. Do not contact the user
Page 15 of 34 Aug 5, 2026 directly. Any and all revisions to this document shall be made only by written addendum from NCDIT.
The Vendor is cautioned that the requirements of this RFQ can be altered only by written addendum and that verbal communications from whatever source are of no effect.
5) ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION: The State reserves the right to reject any and all offers, to waive any informality in offers and, unless otherwise specified by the Vendor, to accept any item in the offer.
If either a unit price or an extended price is obviously in error and the other is obviously correct, the incorrect price will be disregarded.
6) AWARD OF CONTRACT: Responsive offers will be evaluated and acceptance may be made in accordance with Best Value procurement practices as defined by N.C.G.S. §143-135.9. Unless otherwise specified by the State or the Vendor, the State reserves the right to accept any item or group of items on a multi-item offer. In addition, on agency specific or term contracts, NCDIT reserves the right to make partial, progressive or multiple awards: where it is advantageous to award separately by items; or where more than one supplier is needed to provide the contemplated requirements as to quantity, quality, delivery, service, geographical areas; other factors deemed by NCDIT to be pertinent or peculiar to the purchase in question.
7) MISCELLANEOUS: Masculine pronouns shall be read to include feminine pronouns and the singular of any word or phrase shall be read to include the plural and vice versa.
8) PROTEST PROCEDURES: When an offeror wants to protest a contract awarded pursuant to this solicitation that is over $25,000 they must submit a written request to the issuing agency at the address given in this document. This request must be received in this office within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the contract award, and must contain specific sound reasons and any supporting documentation for the protest. Note: Contract award notices are sent only to those actually awarded contracts, and not to every person or firm responding to this solicitation. IFB status and Award notices are posted on the Internet at https://evp.nc.gov. All protests will be governed by NCAC Title 9, Department of Information Technology (formerly Office of Information Technology Services), Subchapter 06B Sections .1101 - .1121
9) VENDOR REGISTRATION AND SOLICITATION NOTIFICATION SYSTEM The electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) allows Vendors to electronically register with the State to receive electronic notification of current procurement opportunities for goods and services available on the eVP at the following web site: https://evp.nc.gov.
10) DIGITAL IMAGING: The State will digitize the Vendor’s response if not received electronically, and any awarded contract together with associated contract documents. This electronic copy shall be a preservation record, and serve as the official record of this solicitation with the same force and effect as the original written documents comprising such record. Any printout or other output readable by sight shown to reflect such record accurately is an "original."
https://evp.nc.gov/ https://evp.nc.gov/
Page 16 of 34 Aug 5, 2026
6.0 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE
(SAAS)
1) DEFINITIONS
a) “Data” means information, formulae, algorithms, or other content that the State, the State’s employees, agents and end users upload, create or modify using the Services pursuant to this Agreement. Data also includes user identification information and metadata which may contain Data or from which the State’s Data may be ascertainable.
b) “Deliverable/Product Warranties” shall mean and include the warranties provided for products or deliverables licensed to the State as included in Paragraph 7) c) of these Terms and Conditions unless superseded by the Vendor’s Warranties pursuant to the Vendor’s License or Support Agreements.
c) “Services” shall mean the duties and tasks undertaken by the Vendor to fulfill the requirements and specifications of this solicitation including, without limitation, providing web browser access by authorized users to certain Vendor online software applications identified herein and to related services such as Vendor hosted Computer storage, databases, Support, documentation, and other functionalities, all as a Software as a Service (“SaaS”) solution.
d) “State” shall mean the State of North Carolina, the NC Department of Information
Technology as an agency, or the agency identified in this solicitation as the Purchasing State Agency and Award Authority.
e) “Support” includes provision of ongoing updates and maintenance for Vendor online software applications and as may be specified herein, consulting, training and other support Services as provided by the Vendor for SaaS tenants receiving similar SaaS Services.
2) ACCESS AND USE OF SAAS SERVICES
a) The Vendor grants the State a personal non-transferable and non-exclusive right to use and access, all Services and other functionalities or services provided, furnished or accessible under this Agreement. The State may utilize the Services as agreed herein and in accordance with any mutually agreed Acceptable Use Policy. The State is authorized to access State Data and any Vendor-provided data as specified herein and to transmit revisions, updates, deletions, enhancements, or modifications to the State Data. This shall include the right of the State to, and access to, Support without the Vendor requiring a separate maintenance or support agreement. Subject to an agreed limitation on the number of users, the State may use the Services with any computer, computer system, server, or desktop workstation owned or utilized by the State or other authorized users. User access to the Services shall be routinely provided by the Vendor and may be subject to a more specific Service Level Agreement (SLA) agreed to in writing by the parties. The State shall notify the Vendor of any unauthorized use of any password or account, or any other known or suspected breach of security access. The State also agrees to refrain from taking any steps such as reverse engineering, reverse assembly or reverse compilation to derive a source code equivalent to the Services or any portion thereof. Use of the Services to perform services for commercial third parties (so-called “service bureau” uses) is not permitted but the State may utilize the Services to perform its governmental functions. If the Services fees are based upon the number of Users and/or hosted instances, the number of Users/hosted instances available may be adjusted at any time (subject to the restrictions on the maximum
Page 17 of 34 Aug 5, 2026 number of Users specified in the Furnish and Deliver Table herein) by mutual agreement and State Procurement approval. All Services and information designated as “confidential” or “proprietary” shall be kept in confidence except as may be required by the North Carolina Public Records Act, N.C.G.S. § 132-1 et seq.
b) The State’s access license for the Services and its associated services neither transfers, vests, nor infers any title or other ownership right in any intellectual property rights of the Vendor or any third party nor does this license transfer, vest, or infer any title or other ownership right in any source code associated with the Services unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. The provisions of this paragraph will not be construed as a sale of any ownership rights in the Services. Any Services or technical and business information owned by the Vendor or its suppliers or licensors made accessible or furnished to the State shall be and remain the property of the Vendor or such other party, respectively. The Vendor has a limited, non-exclusive license to access and use the State Data as provided to the Vendor, but solely for performing its obligations under this Agreement and in confidence as provided herein.
c) The Vendor or its suppliers shall, at a minimum, and except as otherwise agreed, provide telephone assistance to the State for all Services procured hereunder during the State’s normal business hours (unless different hours are specified herein). The Vendor warrants that its Support and customer service and assistance will be performed in accordance with generally accepted industry standards. The State has the right to receive the benefit of upgrades, updates, maintenance releases or other enhancements or modifications made generally available to the Vendor’s SaaS tenants for similar Services. The Vendor’s right to a new use agreement for new version releases of the Services shall not be abridged by the foregoing. The Vendor may, at no additional charge, modify the Services to improve operation and reliability or to meet legal requirements.
d) The Vendor will provide to the State the same Services for updating, maintaining and continuing optimal performance for the Services as provided to other similarly situated users or tenants of the Services, but minimally as provided for and specified herein. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Support will also be provided for any other (e.g., third party) software provided by the Vendor in connection with the Vendor’s solution herein. The technical and professional activities required for establishing, managing, and maintaining the Services environment are the responsibilities of the Vendor. Any training specified herein will be provided by the Vendor to certain State users for the fees or costs as set forth herein or in an SLA.
e) Services provided pursuant to this Solicitation may, in some circumstances, be accompanied by a user clickwrap agreement. The term clickwrap agreement refers to an agreement that requires the end user to manifest his or her assent to terms and conditions by clicking an “ok” or “agree” button on a dialog box or pop-up window as part of the process of access to the Services. All terms and conditions of any clickwrap agreement provided with any Services solicited herein shall have no force and effect and shall be non-binding on the State, its employees, agents, and other authorized users of the Services.
f) The Vendor may utilize partners and/or subcontractors to assist in the provision of the
Services so long as non-public State Data is not removed from the United States per paragraph 18) b). The Vendor shall identify all of its strategic business partners related to Services provided under this Agreement including, but not limited to, all subcontractors or other entities or individuals who may be a party to a joint venture or similar agreement with the Vendor or will be involved in any application development and/or operations.
Page 18 of 34 Aug 5, 2026
g) The Vendor warrants that all Services will be performed with professional care and skill, in a workmanlike manner, and in accordance with the Services documentation and this Agreement.
h) An SLA or other agreed writing shall contain provisions for scalability of Services and any variation in fees or costs as a result of any such scaling.
i) Professional services provided by the Vendor at the request by the State in writing in addition to agreed Services shall be at the then-existing Vendor hourly rates when provided unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.
3) WARRANTY OF NON-INFRINGEMENT; REMEDIES
a) The Vendor warrants to the best of its knowledge that:
i) The Services do not infringe any intellectual property rights of any third party; and
ii) There are no actual or threatened actions arising from, or alleged under, any intellectual property rights of any third party.
b) Should any Services supplied by the Vendor become the subject of a claim of infringement of a patent, copyright, Trademark or a trade secret in the United States, the Vendor shall, at its option and expense, either procure for the State the right to continue using the Services or replace or modify the same to become non-infringing. If neither of these options can be taken in the Vendor’s judgment, or if further use shall be prevented by injunction, the Vendor agrees to cease provision of any affected Services and refund any sums the State has paid the Vendor and make every reasonable effort to assist the State in procuring substitute Services.
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