The N.C. Department of Justice’s “IT legal team,” comprised of four attorneys, delivers legal guidance, advice and support to the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Statewide Information Technology Procurement Office.
The team plays a crucial role in reviewing solicitation and contract award documents and serves to protect the state’s interests in the purchase of information technology products and services.
The attorneys primarily review Requests for Quotes, Requests for Proposals, Invitations for Bids, Award Recommendations and Best and Final Offers. Their review process involves examining solicitation documents for accuracy, completeness and legal enforceability, as well as for compliance with relevant laws, regulations and policies.
The attorneys’ legal review typically includes the analysis and careful examination of vendor terms and conditions in software or SaaS agreements. These agreements are typically incorporated into the state’s procurement contracts. The attorneys frequently conduct negotiations with vendors.
The state DOJ IT team strives to maintain the integrity and legality of the state’s procurement process and to protect the state’s legal and financial interests.