TSCTI+Contract+Summary.docx

ND STATE CONTRACT INFORMATION

CONTRACT INTRODUCTION

The contract is Information Technology professional services in a variety of IT Contract Pool Categories. The State has an ongoing need for Information Technology (IT) professionals in a variety of categories for both project-based and staff-augmentation work. Multiple vendors have been awarded contracts in each of the IT Contract Pool Categories. State agencies may use a structured work order request process to obtain IT professional services through this contract. Use the links below to see the job class definitions, experience levels and required skill sets in each of the contract pool categories, vendors awarded in each category, schedule of vendor hourly rates, and vendor contact information:

VENDOR POOL GUIDELINES

Effective August 1, 2025, this Contract will be subject to Guidelines for Multiple Award Vendor Pool Contracts - Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Delivery - Multistep Competition pursuant to House Bill No. 1122 and N.D.C.C. 54-44.4. See Guidelines, Rules and Laws | Office of Management and Budget North Dakota.

State Agency/Boards/Commissions - IT Review for any category EXCEPT Project Manager - Any purchases made under this contract needs to be reviewed by NDIT. Submit an IT Review Request in the NDIT Service Portal. After logging into the portal, search “IT Review” to locate the form that needs to be completed. Once approved, continue with the ordering process in this contract summary. NDIT IT Review is not required for NDUS, K-12 or political subdivisions.

See Work Order Process below regarding the issuance of work orders to vendors. It is recommended that no work orders extend beyond the contract term listed for each vendor in the respective category.

IT Contract Pool Categories Web Designer Project Manager CA:GEN Programmer/Analyst Desktop Support – REQUIRES NDIT APPROVAL BEFORE PROCEEDING TO WORK REQUEST Scrum Master

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

Check the State contract website for the contractor and contract administrator information.

COOPERATIVE PURCHASING

This contract is a cooperative purchasing contract established pursuant to North Dakota Century Code Sections 15.1-09-34(1)(k), 54-44.4-13, and 54-59-18. Though not a party to this contract, North Dakota State Colleges and Universities, K-12 schools, city, county, and local governments, tribal agencies, transportation providers under N.D.C.C chapter 39-04.2, International Peace Garden and nonprofit organizations established on behalf of public entities are eligible to participate in this contract. Contact the contract administrator if you are not sure you are eligible to participate.

ORDERING INFORMATION

Work Order Process When an agency requires IT services, the agency will prepare a work order request describing the needed work. The work order form is available from the OMB State Contract web page, listed under contract #095.

There are several vendors within each IT Contract Pool Category, and the number of vendors an agency must solicit to submit a project proposal is determined by the estimated cost of the IT project. Vendors who are invited to submit project proposals must be priced at, or below, the rates proposed and contractually obligated.

*The Onsite rate must cover all travel related expenses other than “Short Notice” Work Order Requests. Short Notice requests are those issued to Vendors with less than 14 calendar days to project start date. In such cases, Vendors may be allowed, with the approval of the agency issuing the work order, to bill supplemental travel expenses caused by the short notice. The Vendor must provide documentation justifying the supplemental travel expense billing.

1. Projects estimated at less than $250,000:

a. Direct Assignment. An agency may issue a work order request directly to any of the awarded vendors in the appropriate pool category.

b. Competitive - An agency may elect to conduct a competitive process by requesting project proposals from two or more vendors. The agency will select the vendor project proposal that best meets the SOW requirements based upon the selection criteria stated in the work order request.

2. Projects estimated at $250,000 or more:

a. Direct Assignment - An agency may issue a work order request directly to an awarded vendor if prior approval is granted by the contract administrator.

b. Competitive - An agency must issue a work order to all of the awarded vendors in the respective category. The agency will select the vendor project proposal that best meets the SOW requirements and selection criteria stated in the work order request.

When you are ready to issue a Work Order, review the instructional document located on the OMB State Procurement website, under contract #095.

ITD Review / Approval Process Work Orders anticipated to be over $25,000 must be reviewed and approved by ITD Policy and Planning Division. Submit the Work Order to ITDProcurement@nd.gov . ITD is also available to answer questions and provide assistance to agencies in generating work orders.

1. Submit draft work order for review prior to issuing to vendor(s).

1. Submit final work order with vendor proposal for approval prior to executing the agreement.

Project Management and Change Control A change order process will be used to manage issues and changes during the life of a work order project. A change request must be in writing using a Change Order form to document the potential change. The change will be reviewed and, if acceptable to the agency, the vendor will submit an estimate of the charges and the anticipated changes in the delivery schedule that will result from the proposed change in the scope of work. A Change Order must be approved and signed by both parties prior to implementation of the change. A sample Change Order form is available from the Contract 095 web page.

Customer Satisfaction Surveys Upon completion of each work order, the requesting agency may complete a customer satisfaction survey rating the agency’s satisfaction with quality of work, cost and schedule adherence, and contract compliance. Contractors will be provided copies of the surveys completed for work they have performed under the contract.

The customer satisfaction surveys will be submitted to the Contract Administrator to be used in evaluating performance under this contract. Dissatisfaction with vendor performance indicated on agency customer satisfaction surveys may be used by the State in making a determination to terminate or restrict a vendor’s contract. The Customer Satisfaction Survey form is available as an attachment on the Contract 095 web page.

Frequently Asked Questions A list of frequently asked questions and answers is available from the Contract 095 web page.

Professional Services Contract Pool Categories Web Designer Category NOTE-- The state has invested in a website platform to improve security, reduce cost, and make it easier for agencies to comply with state and federal standards (e.g. accessibility, encryption, data privacy, etc.). The State Website Platform should be evaluated for agency fit prior to procuring a new website or website redesign.

*Reminder – work orders estimated at $250,000 or greater must be sent to all vendors listed in the category.

Web Designer Well-demonstrated skills in interactive user interface design and visual design

· Website design using modern WCMS technologies

· Strong understanding and experience with web technologies

· Analyzes and documents requirements

· Thorough knowledge of visual design principles

· Website design and layout, typography, icon development, and branding

· Interfaces with the team to ensure all changes are coordinated and integrated and provides regular status updates

· Designs new and enhances existing web application interfaces in conformance with organizational guidelines and standards

· Collaborates with application developers when necessary for design specifications including applying designs to complex web-based applications

· Coordinates closely with IT management, other P/A’s, and other Agency management or personnel, as needed, to ensure proper development and implementation of program and system specifications

· Develops, in conjunction with functional users, system alternative design solutions

Web Designer Experience

· Requires three years of experience in this classification in the last four years

Web Designer Skill Set

· Primary skill set includes digital design and layout, identity and branding, design tools (e.g. Adobe Illustrator and XD), web accessibility (i.e. WCAG), Web Content Management Systems (e.g. Drupal), Bootstrap/Responsive Design, proficiency in XHTML, JavaScript/Jquery, AJAX, CSS and web browsers (including compatibility issues between different products and versions), written and verbal English language proficiency, interpersonal and communication skills

· Secondary skill set/considerations include e-business web design

Project Manager Category *Reminder – work orders estimated at $250,000 or greater must be sent to all vendors listed in the category.

Project Manager

· Provides leadership and direction through successful performance of a variety of detailed, diverse project management competencies and frameworks

· Directs project initiating activities, including review of historical information, establishing the project repository, development of project charter, and project kickoff

· Plans, executes, and closes out projects per ND state standards, laws and processes relating to project management (see https://www.nd.gov/itd/services/project-management and https://www.nd.gov/itd/standards/project-management-information-technology-projects)

· Assists in the management of IT procurement services including Request for Proposal (RFP) creation, assistance with solicitation, evaluation and contract negotiations, contract administration and contract closeout

· Directs project planning activities and construction of project plan that includes scope management, acceptance management, project governance, time management, cost management, quality management, human resources management, communication management, risk management, procurement management, integrated change control, implementation and transition plan

· Directs project execution activities to include management of cost, schedule, scope, quality, business value and variance reporting

· Manages the activities of project teams, which may be comprised of client’s technical and program staff, as well as contractors from one or more entities

· Coordinates project activities and communication with client’s organizational change team

· Reports in writing and verbally to client’s management as necessary

· Directs project closeout activities including post-implementation and administrative closeout

Project Manager Experience

· Requires a minimum of 4 years of current and progressive experience managing complex information technology projects

· Experience in public sector assignments preferred

· PMP credential is preferred

· Experience using a scheduling tool (Microsoft Project proficiency preferred)

Project Manager Skill Set

· Primary skill set includes:

· Formal project management

· Superior team building

· Analytical

· Group facilitation

· Relationship management

· Must be able to work effectively with all levels of client staff from clerical through executive management

· Ability to implement solutions across multiple functional and technical environments

· Ability to conduct cost and schedule variance analysis

· Interpersonal and communication skills

· Written and verbal English language proficiency

CA:GEN Programmer/Analyst Category *Reminder – work orders estimated at $250,000 or greater must be sent to all vendors listed in the category.

CA:GEN Programmer/Analyst

· Designs new and enhances existing applications

· Constructs data and process models as may be required to define system functions

· Analyzes functional business requirements and design specifications for developing programs

· Develops analysis and design documentation

· Translates detailed design into computer software

· Tests, debugs, and refines the computer software to produce the required product

· Prepares required documentation

· Enhances software to reduce operating time and/or improve efficiency

· Coordinates closely with Product Owners, other developers, Agency personnel, as needed, to ensure proper development and implementation of program and system specifications

· Provides support for the creation, installation, testing, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of information systems

· Participates in Scrum ceremonies (e.g., daily scrum, sprint planning, sprint review, sprint retrospective)

CA:GEN Programmer/Analyst Experience

· Programmer/Analyst - requires a minimum of 2 years of current experience in this job class

· Senior Programmer/Analyst - requires a minimum of 4 years of experience in the last 5 years and increasingly complex and responsible experience in this job class

CA:GEN Programmer/Analyst Skill Set

· Primary skill set includes CA:Gen, Structured Query Language, ODBC, DB2, PL-SQL, Microsoft Office, CSE Access, QMF for Windows, interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal English language proficiency

· Secondary skill set/considerations include Cobol, Natural, Lotus Notes, Blaze Advisor, C++, Java, Oracle, Adabas, DB2, Git, Subversion, Power Designer, IBM FileNet, XML

Desktop Support Category - THIS CATEGORY REQUIRES NDIT APPROVAL BEFORE PROCEEDING TO A WORK REQUEST – CONTACT NDIT PROCUREMENT *Reminder – work orders estimated at $250,000 or greater must be sent to all vendors listed in the category.

Desktop Support Specialist

· Provide assessments of the current status of an IT system, assist with proactive IT planning, provide written summaries and recommendations, assist in the implementation of any recommendation

· Provides customer support to both on-site and remote users located throughout the State of North Dakota

· Install, configure, troubleshoot/resolve issues related to computers, server, UPS equipment, related software, and other desktop equipment

· Ensure all computer systems, servers, networked equipment and related devices are fully operational, updated with the most current software and service packs, antivirus protection and security packages and have adequate daily backup

· Tests updates/resolve issues and may write the instructions for software or hardware installation

· Work within State of North Dakota Information Technology Department (ITD) requirements

· Provide training of any current or new software/hardware or upgrades

· Provide reports documenting items such as dates of service calls, dates and details of work completed and itemized charges and listing installed software, devices or equipment

Desktop Support Specialist Experience:

· Requires a minimum of 2 years of current experience in this job class

Desktop Support Specialist Skill Set

· Primary skill set includes Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Outlook/Exchange, Palo Alto Cortex HDR, Microsoft Active Directory, TCP/IP and Ethernet networking, written and verbal English language proficiency, excellent interpersonal and communication skills

· Secondary skill set/considerations include SCCM/Intune, Global Protect VPN, wireless networking, handheld PC devices, Microsoft terminal services/Citrix thin client technology, and other State agency specific software products and other State agency specific software products

Scrum Master Category *Reminder – work orders estimated at $250,000 or greater must be sent to all vendors listed in the category

Scrum Master

· Provide workload direction and guidance to team members

· Lead and coach team members on how to use Agile/Scrum practices

· Ensure team members are practicing the core agile principles of collaboration, prioritization, accountability and transparency/visibility

· Communicate with all stakeholders, including executive management, architects, developers, product owners, etc. on product deliverables and issues

· Organize and facilitate daily Scrum meetings, Sprint Planning, Sprint Reviews and Retrospectives, and other scrum related meetings

· Build and maintain relationships with team members and stakeholders Scrum Master Experience

· Experience in public sector assignments is preferred

· CSM credential is preferred

· Experience using an Agile delivery tool (e.g. Azure DevOps) is preferred Scrum Master Skill Set

· Understanding of Agile/Scrum practices

· Guiding through Agile/Scrum practices

· Identifying and removing impediments to team success

· Coaching team members on Agile and Scrum

· Providing feedback on project team performance with a special focus on Agile competencies

· Proficient in the use of Agile delivery tools such as Azure DevOps

· Serving as a liaison between technical and non-technical departments image1.png