1. How do vendors get on DIR's ICT Co-op Contracts program?
2. How often are RFOs released for bid?
3. What is the process for determining if a potential customer is eligible to use a DIR contract? May we sell to an out of Texas entity?
4. I am a current DIR-contracted vendor. How do I sign up for automatic transfers of admin fee payments?
5. Can HUB/MWBE vendors participate in DIR’s RFO process?
6. Can I schedule a meeting with the HUB Coordinator?
7. What is a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP)?
8. I am a HUB vendor. Do I have to fill out a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP)?
9. What is the consequence if I do not include a completed HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) with my response?
10. Can you define "Good Faith Effort" in regards to doing business with State of Texas certified HUBs?

1. How do vendors get on DIR's ICT Co-op Contracts program?
   
   We offer vendors the opportunity to bid on cooperative contracts that will be used by state, local and public education institutions across Texas, as well as public entities from other states.
   
   Click here to return to the How to Become a Vendor page. 
2. How often are RFOs released for bid? 
   
   RFO’s are posted year-round for products/services. Please visit our Current Contracting Initiatives page to see current RFO postings and view contracting initiatives in the planning phase. Please check back often.
   
   To learn more about our contracting process, please click here.
3. What is the process for determining if a potential customer is eligible to use a DIR contract? May we sell to an out of Texas state entity?
   
   Texas state agencies, counties, local government offices and public education entities are eligible to purchase through the ICT Co-op Contracts program. For more information and legal citations, go to the DIR Customer Eligibility page.
   
   Public entities outside the state of Texas are also eligible. Go to Resources for Customers outside Texas for more information and instructions on how they can purchase technology through DIR.
   

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4. I am a current DIR-contracted vendor. How do I sign up for automatic transfers of admin fee payments?
    
   You must complete and submit an ACH Authorization form. We have posted instructions and the form on our the website here.
5. Can HUB/MWBE vendors participate in DIR’s RFO process?
   
   Yes. We encourage Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) and Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) vendors to participate in our RFO process. Please click here to learn how to become a DIR Vendor and participate in the RFO process.
   
   Please visit our HUB program page for more additional information.
6. Can I schedule a meeting with the HUB Coordinator? 
   
   Yes. Lisa Maldonado and Bernadette Davis are DIR’s HUB Coordinators. Please email the HUB Program for assistance or contact Lisa directly by phone at 512-463-5662 or Bernadette directly by phone at 512-463-5712.
   

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7. What is a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP)? 
   
   Senate Bill 178 requires that all state agencies include a HUB Subcontracting Plan in contracts with an expected value of $100,000 or more. Agencies are required to identify probable areas of subcontracting in the scope of the work as it’s defined in the bid, proposal or other expression of interest. HUB Subcontracting Plans are required by Texas Government Code 2161.
8. I am a HUB Vendor. Do I have to fill out a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP)? 
   
   Yes. If there are probable subcontracting opportunities in the scope of the RFO, a HUB Subcontracting Plan must be completed and returned with your response or it will be considered as a material failure to comply with advertised specifications (TX Government Code 2161.252 (b)).
9. What is the consequence if I do not include a completed HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) with my response?
   
   If probable subcontracting has been declared and a completed HUB Subcontracting Plan is not included with your response, your response will be disqualified as not meeting advertised specifications.
10. Can you define a "Good Faith Effort" in regards to doing business with State of Texas certified HUBs?
    
    According to TX Government Code 2161.253 Good Faith Effort includes all of the following steps:

• Divide the work into reasonable lots according to industry standards and practices
• Provide written notification of the subcontracting opportunity to a minimum of 3 State of Texas certified HUBs
• Identify the area(s) to be subcontracted and include information on the scope of work, requirements, certifications, and other pertinent information, and a contact person who can answer further questions about the subcontract or provide other vital information about the subcontracting opportunity
• Give the HUB vendors a minimum of 5 working days to respond to the Prime vendor prior to bid close
• Provide written notification of the subcontracting opportunity to minority or women trade organizations or business development centers.
• Negotiate with responsive vendors in good faith, not disqualifying a HUB vendor, and provide written justification of the selection process if a non-HUB vendor is selected

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Resources

Please consult the ICT Co-op Contract contact list if you have additional questions.