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.
The IT VAR Program 2.0 initiative is set to be competitively rebid in 2026.
What is IT VAR?
An Information Technology (IT) Value-Added Reseller (VAR) is the contracted channel for IT hardware, software, and services at UMass. This channel sources products from major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Dell, Apple, and Cisco, ensuring system-wide negotiated pricing. Additionally, dedicated support is provided across all campuses.
Why Now?
- The current VAR 1.0 contract expires September 30, 2026.
- The last bid was only 3 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 $20M; it grew to $40M — VAR 2.0 starts at full scale from day one, now including Dell and Apple OEM-direct spend.
Comparing IT VAR 2.0 to IT VAR 1.0
In 2023, UPST collaborated with UITS and campus CIOs to launch VAR 1.0. This project streamlined the UMass system's IT Value Added Resellers (VAR) supplier base into three strategic contracts.
VAR 2.0 will build on the insights gained from VAR 1.0 while expanding the range of services offered and adapting to competitive market changes.
| Category | VAR 1.0 | VAR 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted Spend | $20M | $40+M |
| Focus | IT Hardware | Hardware, Software, and Services |
| Original Equipment Manufactures (OEM) | OEM-direct excluded | OEM-direct included |
To learn more, please visit the IT VAR Program 1.0.
Learn More
Additional information and resources about IT VAR 2.0 will be available soon, so please check back frequently for updates. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to A&FSupport@umassp.edu.