State of Texas and Accenture DIR – Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Accenture contracted with the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) Products and Services to DIR customers.

Overview

AI: Artificial Intelligence Services Contract DIR-CPO-5153

Accenture LLP offers Artificial Intelligence (AI) Services through this contract. Specifically, the AI Technologies included with this contract are: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision (CV), and Digital Assistant (DA). There are resellers available on this contract. For more information on the DIR program, please visit the DIR Cooperative Contracts program website.

About the Contract

There are six Technology Categories included in the new AI Contract No. DIR-CPO-5153. Please find a specific breakdown of each Technology Category below:

Technology Category 1: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of technologies and platforms to accomplish tasks. Under this category, Accenture can provide hyper-automation solutions or the application of multiple AI technologies. Accenture has a history and capacity to provide a comprehensive approach in guiding customers through an array of possible solutions. 

Technology Category 2: Machine Learning (ML)

Machine Learning (ML) is a process that uses rules and procedures to provide advanced statistical analysis or prediction without having to apply explicit instructions. Machine Learning uses datasets streamed into models to describe, recommend, or forecast trends and patterns.

Technology Category 3: Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is when a machine does work that might previously have been done by humans. RPA may learn how to perform such human tasks by observing a human’s actions through a graphical user interface (GUI) to then be able to repeat such tasks directly in the GUI. RPA technologies may perform complex tasks by automating actions across a number of software applications. Unassisted RPA, or advanced RPA that does not require any input from the user, is also included in this scope.

Technology Category 4: Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Natural Language Processing (NLP) applies to a computer’s ability to process and analyze human (natural) language.

Technology Category 5: Computer Vision (CV)

Computer Vision (CV) pertains to a computer’s ability to identify and process information from images, including multi-dimensional data, video, and digital images. 

Technology Category 6: Digital Assistant (DA)

Digital Assistant (DA) performs tasks or provides services in response to commands or questions via speech or text (email, SMS, web browser, etc.). Advanced digital assistants may be programmed to learn from data input and continuously improve predictions of user needs.

DIR Ordering Process and Placing Orders

Step 1. Determine whether Customer is eligible to buy through a DIR Cooperative Contract. DIR eligible customers include Texas state agencies, county or local government offices, and public education entities of all sizes. Public Entities outside of Texas are eligible to purchase, but must first have an executed interstate cooperation contract (ICC) on file with TX DIR. The current list of ICC's can be located here.

Step 2. Customers must complete a Service Agreement, also referred to as a Statement of Work (SOW), that must be in the form contained in Appendix D.

• APPENDIX D, Service Agreement Template [PDF]

        _{- Please see DIR’s Statement of Work page for more information.}

Step 3. Use the Service Agreement template above and include the minimum suggested items such as:

• Scope of work
• Requirements
• Compliance Requirements
     _{- Accessibility Requirements
     - Security Requirements
     - Privacy Requirements}

• Reporting
• Pricing
      _{- For detailed contract pricing information, including MSRP information with listed Discounts, please see Appendix C, Pricing Index.}

Step 4. Per Texas Government Code Section 2157.0685, State Agencies are required to submit SOWs for DIR review and approval prior to solicitation to Vendors (award value over $50,000). DIR must review and sign the final SOW before it becomes valid and any money is paid to a vendor. State agency customers (not including institutions of higher education) must also follow the purchasing thresholds specified in Texas Government Code Section 2157.068. For more information about the purchasing thresholds and SOW requirements, please see:

• SOW Review Process
• Procurement Professional's Guide to DIR
• Texas Administrative Code Section 212 Requirements for Posting SOWs on State Agency Websites

Step 5. Vendors provide a written response.

Step 6. Customers should negotiate pricing of services directly with vendor.

Step 7. Customers and vendors may work together to improve the SOW.

Step 8. Customers may negotiate the terms and conditions of a SOW to suit their business needs, as long as the SOW terms and conditions do not conflict with or weaken the terms of the contract.

Click to learn more about Effective SOWs for DIR.

Step 9. Customer issues a purchase order (PO) based on the negotiated specifications in accordance with the SOW, and Vendor begins work upon receipt of PO. Vendor then invoices Customer. (DIR Contract Number DIR-CPO-5153 must be referenced on the PO.)

SOWs can be sent via email, fax or regular mail.

To obtain a quote, place a purchase order with, or seek warranty information with Accenture for services under the DIR contract, please contact:

Meg Hare
Accenture
323 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Phone # +1 512-299-6420
Fax # +1 512 476-7765
Email Meg Hare

Contract Manager: Mia Howard

Services Warranty and Return Policies
Vendor and Order Fulfiller will adhere to the Vendor’s then-currently published policies concerning services warranties and returns. Such policies for Customers will not be more restrictive or more costly than warranty and return policies for other similarly situated Customers for like services.

Contract Number: DIR-CPO-5153