IT Supplemental Staffing Open Enrollment - 2026 ITS-009440-400191 028

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Statewide IT Procurement Office
IT Supplemental Staffing Providers Invitation For Bid
ITS-009440 / 400191-028
May 21, 2026
Proposal Due Date: July 1, 2026
Direct all inquiries concerning this IFB to:
Sandra Rosser Contracts Manager
State of North Carolina Department of Information Technology Statewide IT Procurement Office
Email: sandra.rosser@nc.gov
Phone: 919-754-6672

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTENT, INTRODUCTION, AND INCUMBENT VENDORS ON ITS-002441...................................................... 4
1.1 INDENT AND INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 INCUMBENT VENDORS ON ITS-002441 - RESERVED...............................................................................................5
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 INVITATION FOR BIDS DOCUMENT .................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 CONTRACT TERM ............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.3 IFB SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................................. 5
2.4 PROPOSAL CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2.5 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS .......................................................................... 7
2.6 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................ 8
3.0 EVALUATION PROCESS ............................................................................................................................. 9
3.1 METHOD OF AWARD ........................................................................................................................................ 9
3.2 PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS ................................................................................................................... 9
3.3 AWARD OF CONTRACT ..................................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 NC ELECTRONIC VENDOR PORTAL (eVP) .......................................................................................................... 9
3.5 PROTEST PROCEDURES .................................................................................................................................... 9
4.0 MSP OPERATING MODEL FOR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA .................................................................... 10
4.1 PROCESS MAPS .............................................................................................................................................. 11
5.0 REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 ITSS PROGRAM PARTICIPATION ..................................................................................................................... 13
5.2 IT SUPPLEMENTAL STAFF PLACEMENT ........................................................................................................... 13
5.3 MEETINGS ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.4 ACCOUNT MANAGER ..................................................................................................................................... 16
5.5 IT SUPPLEMENTAL STAFFING ADMINISTRATIVE FEE ....................................................................................... 16
5.6 MANAGED SERVICES PROVIDER VENDOR FEE ................................................................................................ 16
5.7 FINANCIAL STABILITY ..................................................................................................................................... 16
5.8 DISCLOSURE OF LITIGATION ........................................................................................................................... 17
5.9 CRIMINAL CONVICTION........................................................................................................................................... .. 17
5.10 ASSURANCES............................................................................................................ .................................................. 17
5.11 CONFIDENTIALITY OF DATA AND INFORMATION ........................................................................................... 18
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5.12 TIMELY CONTRACTOR PAYMENT .................................................................................................................. 18
5.13 RETURN OF STATE PROPERTY ....................................................................................................................... 18
6.0 SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENTS (SLAS) ....................................................................................................... 19
6.1 SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 19
6.2 NON-CONFORMANCE TO SLAS ....................................................................................................................... 20
7.0 OPEN ENROLLMENT................................................................................................................................ 20
7.1 FREQUENCY ................................................................................................................................................... 20
7.2 VENDOR OPTIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 20
7.3 NOT-TO EXCEED (NTE) PRICING ...................................................................................................................... 20
7.4 NEW VENDOR REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 20
ATTACHMENT A: EXECUTION PAGE ...................................................................................................................... 21
ATTACHMENT B: NOT-TO-EXCEED (NTE) PRICING ................................................................................................. 22
Table 1 : Not To Exceed (NTE) Pricing Existing Categories..............................................................................................22
Table 2: Not To Exceed (NTE) Pricing For New Categories..............................................................................................27
ATTACHMENT C: JOB TITLES, SKILL LEVELS, AND TECHNOLOGY SKILL DEMAND ................................................... 32
C.1 JOB TITLES ........................................................................................................................................................ 32
C.2 SKILL LEVELS ..................................................................................................................................................... 65
C.3 TECHNOLOGY SKILL DEMAND .......................................................................................................................... 66
ATTACHMENT D: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ............................. ...82
ATTACHMENT D1: VENDOR CERTIFICATION FORM .................................... ................................................................84
ATTACHMENT E: INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS ................................................................................................. ....86
ATTACHMENT F: GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR PROPOSALS ................................................................................... 87
ATTACHMENT G: NORTH CAROLINA TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR SERVICES ...................................................... 90
APPENDIX A: GENERAL CHANGE HISTORY.......................................................................................................... 104
ATTACHMENT H: SUBMITTAL CHECK LIST......................................................................................................................107
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Proposal Number: ITS-009440/DIT 400191-028
1.0 INTENT, INTRODUCTION, AND INCUMBENT VENDORS ON ITS-002441
1.1 INTENT AND INTRODUCTION
The State, through the NC Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) Statewide IT Procurement Office
(SITPO), is seeking qualified IT Supplemental Staffing Providers (ITSS Providers) to provide IT Supplemental Staff
to State Agencies. The ITSS Program seeks to better equip the State to recruit, staff, and manage IT
supplemental staff at market competitive rates. The goals of the program are to:
* Improve cycle time and other process measures for staffing requests,
* Improve quality of IT Supplemental Staff submitted by vendors and staffed by State of North Carolina, and
* Achieve hourly rate savings for IT supplemental staff.
The purpose of this Invitation For Bid (IFB) is to solicit agreements from ITSS Providers to cover the State's IT
supplemental staffing needs.
The Managed Services Provider (MSP) IFB was awarded to Computer Aid, Inc. (CAI) to assist the State in the
implementation of the ITSS Program and administration of IT Supplemental Staffing.
The State intends to identify ITSS Providers willing to provide IT Supplemental Staffing services to the State at
current market rates. This IFB will establish a Convenience Contract pursuant to 9 NCAC 06B.0701 for an
indefinite quantity contract between the Vendor and the State. In addition to State Agencies, the resulting
contract may also be utilized by other Eligible Entities, including but not limited to Community Colleges, State
Universities, Local Education Authorities (K-12 schools), and local governments in North Carolina. The resulting
contract will replace the current Short Term IT Staffing contract, ITS-002441.
Each ITSS Provider may respond to the MSP's Vendor Management System ("VMS") requisitions for (or
participate in) any or all categories of services of their choosing. The ITSS Providers will provide temporary IT
services to the State on an hourly basis. The average length of assignment has historically been six (6) months
to one (1) year.
The quantity of services required will vary, and the State cannot make any guarantees to the amount of services
needed annually. Historically, State Agency spend through the Short Term IT Staffing contract was an
estimated
$169 million for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and an estimated $175 million for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. This estimated
quantity based on recent usage may be used as a guide but shall not be a representation by the State of any
anticipated purchase volume under any contract made pursuant to this solicitation.
Each ITSS Provider will be responsible for recruiting and proposing qualified IT Supplemental Staff to meet State
Agencies' IT Supplemental Staffing needs, in accordance with established rate cards and within the
requirements of the ITSS Program. The rates identified in this IFB are not-to-exceed (NTE) rates (See Attachment
B, Table 1 and 2). In submitting an IT Supplemental Staff candidate, the ITSS Provider must submit that
candidate at or below the NTE rates. A highly qualified candidate submitted below the NTE rate will be more
competitive than one submitted at the maximum rate. ITSS Providers will work with CAI and utilize the Vendor
Management System (VMS) Vector to enable the staffing process. ITSS Providers will be managed
cooperatively by the State and the MSP with the State having overall management and decision-making
authority.
The awarded Vendors will remain on this contract (ITS-009440) for the duration of the term unless terminated
for convenience, cause or not meeting established Service Level Agreements (see Section 6.0)
The State will conduct annual Open Enrollment updates to this contract or as needed at the State's discretion.
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Proposal Number: ITS-009440/DIT 400191-028
1.2 INCUMBENT VENDORS ON ITS-002441. - Reserved
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 INVITATION FOR BIDS DOCUMENT
This IFB comprises the base IFB document, nine (9) Attachments, one (1) Appendix and any addenda released
before the Bid Opening Date.
2.2 CONTRACT TERM
The Contract shall have an initial term beginning on the date of award (the "Effective Date") and ending on
February 28, 2028.
At the end of the initial term, the State shall have the option, at its sole discretion, to exercise up to two (2)
one-year renewal periods. The State will give the Vendor written notice of its intent to exercise this option not
less than thirty (30) days before the end of the Contract's initial term and every year thereafter.
At a minimum, the State will conduct Open Enrollments to this contract as needed at the State's sole discretion.
During this enrollment period, new Vendors wishing to provide Supplemental Staffing resources to the State
may submit a response to the Open Enrollment. Vendors not meeting Service Level Agreements (see Section
6.0) can be removed from the contract at any time.
Incumbent Vendors are not eligible to submit a response to this Open Enrollment.
2.3 IFB SCHEDULE
The table below shows the intended schedule for this IFB. The Contract Manager will make every effort to
adhere to this schedule.
Action Responsibility Date Time
Issue Open Enrollment IFB State May 21, 2026
Deadline to Submit Questions Vendors June 3, 2026 2:00 PM EST
Response to Questions State By June 17, 2026
Deadline to Submit Responses Vendors July 1, 2026 2:00 PM ET
+ Ninety (90) Days after Bid
Contract Award State
Opening
Table 1: IFB Schedule
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Proposal Number: ITS-009440/DIT 400191-028
PROPOSAL QUESTIONS
All inquiries regarding the solicitation specifications or requirements are to 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.
Instructions:
Written questions concerning this Solicitation will be received until June 3,2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. They
must be submitted to the contact person listed on Page One of this Solicitation via sandra.rosser@nc.gov.
Please enter "Questions Solicitation IFB ITS-009440 OE 2026" as the subject for the message. Questions
should be submitted in the following format:
Reference Vendor Question
IFB Section / Attachment, Page Number Vendor Question
Table 2: Proposal Questions Format
ADDENDUM TO IFB
The State may issue addenda if Vendor questions are permitted as described above, or if additional terms,
specifications, or other changes are necessary for this procurement. It is important that all Vendors bidding
on this IFB periodically check the NC eVP for any and all Addenda that may be issued prior to the offer opening
date. All addenda shall become an Addendum to this IFB
PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT NOTE:
It is the Vendor's sole responsibility to upload their offer to the Ariba Sourcing Module by the specified time
and date of opening. 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. Vendor must include all the pages of this solicitation in their response.
Sealed offers, subject to the conditions made a part hereof, will be received until 2:00pm Eastern Time on
the day of opening and then opened, for furnishing and delivering the commodity as described herein. Offers
must be submitted via the Ariba Sourcing Module with the Execution page signed and dated by an official
authorized to bind the Vendor's firm. Failure to return a signed offer shall result in disqualification.
Attempts to submit a proposal via facsimile (FAX) machine, telephone, email, email attachments, or in any
hardcopy format in response to this Bid SHALL NOT be accepted and will automatically be deemed Non-
Responsive.
a) Submit one (1) signed, original electronic offer through the Ariba Sourcing Module.
b) The Ariba Sourcing Module document number is: WS2142778644
c) All File names should start with the Vendor name first, in order to easily determine all the files to be
included as part of the Vendor's response. For example, files should be named as follows: Vendor Name-
your file name.
d) File contents SHALL NOT be password protected, the file formats must be in .PDF, .JPEG, .DOC or .XLS
format, and shall be capable of being copied to other sources. Inability by the State to open the Vendor's
files may result in the Vendor's offer(s) being rejected as Non-Responsive.
e) If the Vendors' proposal contains any confidential information (as defined in Attachment G, Paragraph
#20), then the Vendor must provide one (1) signed, original electronic offer and one (1) redacted
electronic copy.
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Proposal Number: ITS-009440/DIT 400191-028
For Vendor training on how to use the Ariba Sourcing Tool to view solicitations, submit questions, develop
responses, upload documents, and submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to the following site:
https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/Vendor-training
Questions or issues related to using the Ariba Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to 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 PROPOSAL CONTENTS
Vendors must complete and deliver this IFB and all Attachments to this IFB listed below.
Attachment Description
A Completed and signed version of IFB: EXECUTION PAGE
Completed and signed pages of any Addenda released in conjunction with this IFB.
B Completed version of IFB: NOT TO EXCEED (NTE) RATES PRICING (Tables 1 and 2)
C IFB: JOB TITLES, SKILL LEVELS, AND TECHNOLOGY SKILL DEMAND
D Completed and signed version of IFB: Location of Workers Utilized by Vendor Disclosure Statement
D1 Completed and signed version of IFB: Vendor Certification Form
E INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS
F GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR PROPOSALS
G NORTH CAROLINA TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR SERVICES - including proof of the Insurance
Coverage and certified compliance with the coverage required per Paragraph 26
Table 3: Proposal Contents
2.5 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The State objects to and will not be required to evaluate or consider any additional terms and conditions
submitted with a Vendor's response. This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document
as part of the Vendor's response. By execution and delivery of this Invitation For Bid and response(s), the
Vendor agrees that any additional terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall
have no force or effect.
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Proposal Number: ITS-009440/DIT 400191-028
2.6 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS
Following are definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations utilized in this IFB:
* CHANGE MANAGEMENT - A systematic approach for managing changes to business processes,
culture, technology, and/or organizational structure. Change management builds capacity for
adapting to change both at an individual and organizational level.
* CONTRACT MANAGER: The person from the State IT Procurement Office that manages the IFB and
resulting Contract. This person may change overtime.
* CONVENIENCE CONTRACT - An indefinite quantity contract that may be used by state agencies,
or other eligible entities, to purchase goods or services at the agency's discretion. Use of a
convenience contract is not mandatory.
* GOODS - Includes intangibles such as computer software; provided, however that this definition
does not modify the definition of "goods" in the context of N.C.G.S. 25-2-105 (UCC definition of
goods).
* HOURLY BILL RATE - The hourly rate that the Vendor will be paid by the State for services
provided under each VMS engagement. This is the sum of the Hourly Wage Rate and Mark-up.
* HOURLY WAGE RATE - The hourly rate that the IT Supplemental Staff will be paid by the ITSS
Provider for services provided under each VMS engagement.
* ITSS PROVIDER - Vendor with which the State has contracted to provide IT Supplemental Staff
through the ITSS Program.
* ITSS PROGRAM - The program designed by the State to address the sourcing and management of
IT Supplemental Staff.
* IT SUPPLEMENTAL STAFF - For the purposes of this IFB, IT Supplemental Staff represents the
individual that is employed through an ITSS Provider and provides IT services to the State as
defined within a VMS requisition. (May also be known collectively as IT Supplemental Staff.)
* JOB TITLE - Define the key activities, responsibilities, and/or capabilities associated with a given
role. Job Titles can be portable across multiple roles and technologies (i.e., Standard Job Titles), or
specific to a particular technology (i.e., SAP, IBM Curam).
* JOB TITLE CATEGORY - Grouping of like Job Titles. The State has identified three Job Title
Categories: Standard, SAP, and IBM Curam.
* MANAGED SERVICES PROVIDER (MSP) - Vendor that provides value-added services in taking
primary responsibility for managing all aspects of a supplemental staffing program (IT or
otherwise). Currently awarded to Computer Aid, Inc. (CAI).
* MARK-UP - All costs a Vendor will incur beyond the Hourly Wage Rate paid to IT Supplemental
Staff. This may include, but is not limited to, subcontracting layers, statutory requirements (i.e.:
FICA, FUTA, SUTA, Worker's Comp, etc.), overhead, recruiting costs, training, visa sponsorship, and
profit. This is the difference between the Hourly Wage Rate and the Hourly Bill Rate.
* TECHNOLOGY LEVEL - Defines the level of market demand for the key skills or technologies
associated with a given role.
* SKILL LEVEL - Defines the level of expertise and/or experience necessary in the key skills or
technologies for a given role.
* SPEND MANAGED - Spend with ITSS Providers against State-established contracts within the
guidelines of the IT Supplemental Staffing Program. This spend is considered "managed" by the
MSP.
* STATE: Refers to the State of North Carolina, including any of its sub-units recognized under North
Carolina law.
* VMS Requisition - A solicitation document entered into the Vector/VMS tool that describes a
specific business or technology staffing need for a hiring entity. It will include required skill sets
and position descriptions that generally describe the service requirement(s) to be addressed. It
also defines the format of the response document and, together with the IFB and vendor
response, forms the contract.
* VMS ENGAGEMENT - A active assignment that has been awarded to a Vendor through the VMS.
* VENDOR MANGEMENT SYSTEM (VMS) - Internet-enabled, often web-based application that acts
as a mechanism for an organization to manage and procure supplemental staff. Typical features
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Proposal Number: ITS-009440/DIT 400191-028
of a VMS include order distribution, consolidated billing and significant enhancements in reporting
capability over manual systems and processes. Current VMS is Vector.
* VENDOR SELECTED CATEGORIES - The combinations of Job Title, Skill Level, and Technology Level
for which an individual Vendor chooses to provide IT Supplemental Staff.
3.0 EVALUATION PROCESS
3.1 METHOD OF AWARD
Vendors must meet the criteria outlined below to be accepted as an ITSS Provider. The State does not intend to
limit the number of awardees, subject to pricing and qualifications explained in this solicitation.
3.2 PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS
The State will review and assess all responses to determine eligibility for this IFB.
Vendors must sign and complete Attachment A. EXECUTION PAGE
Vendors must complete Attachment B NOT TO EXCEED (NTE) RATES PRICING (TABLES 1 AND 2)
3.2.3.1 In Attachment B (Tables 1 and 2), Vendors must identify which Job Categories the vendor
will provide candidates for. Vendors must participate in all Skill Levels and Skill Demand
within that Job Category.
3.2.3.2 Vendors are not required to provide all Job Categories.
3.2.3.3 The rates for the not-to-exceed pricing are established by the State from the market rates
provided by CAI.
3.2.4 Vendors must agree to be measured and managed using the State's Service Level Agreements
(SLA's) listed in Section 6.0 of this solicitation.
3.2.5 Vendors must complete Attachment D: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR DISCLOSURE
STATEMENT
3.2.6 Vendors must complete Attachment D1: VENDOR CERTIFICATION FORM.
3.2.7 Vendors must review and return complete Attachment E: INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS
3.2.8 Upon completion of any evaluations and negotiations (if conducted), the State will make an Award
determination.
3.3 AWARD OF CONTRACT
Qualified proposals will be evaluated in accordance with Best Value procurement practices as defined by GS
143-135.9 and applicable administrative rules. The responsible Vendors whose proposals are most
advantageous to the State, taking into consideration the evaluation factors herein, will be recommended for
contract award. 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 proposal.
3.4 NC ELECTRONIC VENDOR PORTAL (eVP)
A link to the NC Electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) allows the public to retrieve contract award information
electronically from the web site: https://evp.nc.gov/ Results may be found by searching by IFB number
(ITS-009440) or agency name NC Department of Information Technology. This information may not be
available for several weeks depending upon the complexity of the acquisition and the length of time to
complete the evaluation process.
3.5 PROTEST PROCEDURES
Protests of awards exceeding $25,000 in value must be submitted to the issuing Agency at the address given
on the first page of this document. Protests must be received in this office within fifteen (15) calendar days
from the date of the contract award and provide specific reasons and any supporting documentation for the
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Proposal Number: ITS-009440/DIT 400191-028
protest. All protests will be governed by Title 9, NC Department of Information Technology, Subchapter
06B Sections .1101 - .1121.
4.0 MSP OPERATING MODEL FOR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina has established an updated ITSS Program and adopted a new operating model for procuring IT
Supplemental Staffing. All IT staffing requisitions within the ITSS Program will go through a Managed Services
Provider (MSP) that will handle all administrative aspects of placing IT Supplemental Staff, centralized invoicing and
payment for State Agency purchases, as well as other key activities. The MSP will serve as a key point of contact for
both State Agencies and the ITSS Providers.
See diagram below for a visual of the interaction between the MSP and the other ITSS Program stakeholders. This
diagram is for illustrative purposes. "SITPO Management" means the NCDIT Management.
Figure 1: MSP Operating Model
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