According to the notice, the forthcoming request for offers (RFO) will cover a broad range of products and services supporting desktops, laptops and tablets, including associated peripherals, software and IT services offered in conjunction with hardware. DIR expects to receive responses from both manufacturers and resellers and plans to establish one or more indefinite quantity cooperative contracts with no guaranteed purchase minimums.
DIR stated that the procurement is intended to support statewide technology needs and that it plans to transition away from branded contracts as part of this effort. Current branded contract holders are encouraged to respond once the RFO is issued.
The scope outlined in the pre-solicitation notice spans multiple commodity classes, covering microcomputer hardware, accessories, preprogrammed software and related IT services. Eligible offerings include end-user devices, networking components, storage, security-related hardware and software, installation, maintenance and support services, provided software is offered in conjunction with hardware.
Contracts awarded under the Cooperative Contracts Program allow state agencies, local governments, higher education institutions and other eligible entities to purchase directly from awarded vendors. Customers issue their own purchase orders, negotiate service-level agreements as needed and remit payment directly to vendors. According to DIR, the program generated $3.4 billion in sales in Fiscal Year 2024 across all categories.
The schedule of events for RFO No. COOP2025SOL-00007 is as follows:
- Optional vendor conference at 10 a.m. Apr. 9
- Questions due by 5 p.m. Apr. 16
- RFO submissions due by 2 p.m. May 29
