Now that you know what you need and have identified a vendor and a specific piece of technology that will meet those needs, it is time to assemble a plan and methodology that conveys the details for a successful partnership. This is the point where contract negotiation begins. Far more than a statement of legal rights, a contract memorializes the business deal.

• No matter what anyone says to the contrary, your agreement with the vendor is always negotiable, especially the standard "form" agreements.
• First, compose a project plan that specifies the school's required targets. This includes defining what you want to do with the technology, in detail, before signing a contract. Make sure to review these goals with users, constituents and the vendor.
• Then begin to negotiate a contract with the vendor, making sure that all of the needs discovered in the previous steps are memorialized in the agreement, as well as the targets described in the Project Plan.
• Spread payments out over time and tie the payments to project deliverables
• Detail desired milestones and deliverables in the contract.
• Know the conditions, for ending the relationship and terminating the contract, and make sure they are captured in writing.
• After the contract is signed, it is critical to continue managing the project, keeping an eye on progress.
• Finally, make sure to coordinate with other teams affected by the technology, providing training and education as needed in order to ensure an organized and effective rollout.
• Assign a project manager to the project who will maintain a roadmap and up-to-date project status documents
• Develop and communicate a clear message about the project for your users and other stakeholders so they understand what the project is, why it is useful, and how they can be involved.
• Integrate your new trainingp lans with ongoing work in the school district.
• Give plenty of lead time for an order of equipment and materials to arrice
• Settle on username and password policies and systems early.

Helpful Resources

Sample Vendor License Agreement
An example of a contract excecuted between a school district and a vendor.
Sample Vendor License Agreement

Contract Commons Contrack Wiki
This is a space for legal scholars and professionals to share information and experience to help create more effective technology contracts. Better technology contracting benefits all involved parties.
Contract Commons Wiki