We are pleased to announce the launch of IT VAR 2.0, effective October 1, 2026. The updated contract continues the University of Massachusetts system's partnership with three strategic technology suppliers: CDW-G, GovConnection, and WEI.
Designed to streamline technology purchasing and deliver value across the UMass system, IT VAR 2.0 provides access to competitively negotiated pricing, transparent markups, discounted professional service rates, and established service expectations for technology products and services. Pricing has been updated in BuyWays to reflect the new agreements.
Currently, UMass's largest active procurement initiative, the IT VAR Program, involves an annual Information Technology (IT) expenditure of over $40 million, covering hardware, software, and services.
What is IT VAR?
Today, UMass partners with three IT Value-Added Resellers (VARs) — a contracted supplier that negotiates system-wide pricing with major manufacturers like Cisco, Juniper Networks, Aruba, Extreme, and Rubrik (known as Original Equipment Manufacturers or OEMs) and provides dedicated IT support across all campuses.
Why Now?
- The previous VAR 1.0 contract expired September 30, 2026.
- The last bid was only 5 years ago, but the market has changed significantly — new entrants, new pricing models, and renewed competitive pressure warrant a full refresh.
- VAR 1.0 was scoped at $25M; it grew to $40M — VAR 2.0 starts at full scale from day one.
Resources
Whether you are looking for purchasing guidance, supplier information, or background on the IT VAR Program, the following resources can help get you started.
IT VAR User Guide
IT VAR User Guide
Learn about the program, review purchasing guidance, access supplier information, and find answers to frequently asked questions.
Previous Articles and Announcements
Review past communications and updates related to the IT VAR Program and its development.
- Email Bulletin: IT VAR 2.0 Is Now Available
- Coffee Hour: A Discussion with the UPST Strategic Sourcing Team
- Article: Scaling UMass's System-Wide IT Sourcing for Value-Added Resellers
Contact A&F Support
Have a question about the program or technology purchasing? Contact A&F Support at A&FSupport@umassp.edu for assistance.
Bid Committee Members
Project Lead: Alex Therkelsen, UPST Category Manager
- Amherst: Kathie Terry
- Boston: David Albrecht
- Dartmouth: Jackie Ryan and Margaret Dias
- Lowell: Cher Hugus
- Chan Medical School: Scott Dziewietin
- President's Office: Kelly Weeks and Lynda Caines