§ 143B-1356.  Multiyear contracts; Attorney General assistance.

(a) Notwithstanding the cash management provisions of G.S. 147-86.11, the Department may procure information technology goods and services for periods up to a total of three years where the terms of the procurement contracts require payment of all or a portion of the contract price at the beginning of the contract agreement. All of the following conditions shall be met before payment for these agreements may be disbursed:

(1) Any advance payment can be accomplished within the IT Internal Service Fund budget.

(2) The State Controller receives conclusive evidence that the proposed agreement would be more cost-effective than a multiyear agreement that complies with G.S. 147-86.11.

(3) The procurement complies in all other aspects with applicable statutes and rules.

(4) The proposed agreement contains contract terms that protect the financial interest of the State against contractor nonperformance or insolvency through the creation of escrow accounts for funds, source codes, or both, or by any other reasonable means that have legally binding effect.

The Office of State Budget and Management shall ensure the savings from any authorized agreement shall be included in the IT Internal Service Fund rate calculations before approving annual proposed rates. Any savings resulting from the agreements shall be returned to agencies included in the contract in the form of reduced rates.

(b) At the request of the State CIO, the Attorney General shall provide legal advice and services necessary to implement this Article. (2015-241, s. 7A.2(b).)