Governor Announces New Process for Information Technology Contracts

PIERRE– Governor Mike Rounds has announced a new procurement process that South Dakota executive branch agencies will follow when contracting for information technology services.  

After January 5, 2004, agencies intending to enter into such contracts with a value exceeding $10,000 will be required to work with the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications to prepare a formal request for proposals, which will be distributed to registered vendors by the Office of Procurement Management.  

Vendors wishing to have the opportunity to submit proposals for information technology services must be registered with the Office of Procurement Management in the Bureau of Administration.  The Office of Procurement Management uses an on-line electronic procurement system known as Simplebuy/Simplesell™ which allows vendors to register over the Internet and select the types of products or services they wish to provide.  By registering, vendors receive email or fax notifications of bidding opportunities automatically based on the commodity categories they have selected.  If the solicitation allows, the vendor can submit a sealed proposal electronically through the system, or they can download the appropriate documents, and submit their response as required by the solicitation document.  The usual $50 annual registration fee has been reduced to $25 for the rest of the current state fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2004.

“When Governor Rounds created the Office of Procurement Management last summer, one of his goals was to create an environment that was competitive, fair and equitable for vendors, not only for commodities, but also for professional services”, said Paul Kinsman, Commissioner of the Bureau of Administration.  “Information Technology services are being targeted initially in this effort”.

Interested vendors should begin to register immediately to participate in opportunities for information technology contracts.  Vendors may obtain additional registration information on the Office of Procurement Management website at http://www.state.sd.us/boa/opm/bidder_registration.htm, or by contacting Lisa Leidholt Hubbard at (605) 773-4580.