Insights

Introduction

If you plan to modernize or overhaul your office’s IT systems, you should set the bar high when choosing a third-party to hire for the project. Do not just focus on technical capabilities; also consider a company’s compliance, accountability, and operational reliability. One way to confirm whether a potential IT contractor is responsible is to check whether the Philippine government accredits it. Having the right accreditation is essential, as it indicates that the team you will be working with meets strict regulatory and performance standards.

To that effect, which accreditations and certifications should you look for before hiring a third-party IT contractor? Read this article by InfoBahn Communications, Inc. to discover the requirements you should deem non-negotiable.

The Importance of Checking an IT Contractor’s Accreditations

Before engaging a potential IT contractor, your government agency should conduct accreditation checks. This is a non-negotiable step that should be performed to assess the quality of work, compliance, and the reputation of a third-party IT team.

Quality Assurance

Accreditations confirm that an IT contractor adheres to standardized processes for design, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems and infrastructure. It’s standard practice for certified third-party professionals to implement structured project management, documentation, and testing procedures. The clear, systematic process ensures the team’s solutions and services are not only deployed correctly but also sustainable.

A team wouldn’t be able to secure certifications and accreditations if its work were subpar. But it’s not enough to see the papers; you must also check the company’s compliance and reputation.

Government Compliance

Top government IT contractors rank high because they take government compliance seriously. They go beyond enhancing and polishing their technical skills, ensuring that all their solutions and services comply with procurement laws, cybersecurity policies, and technical standards. A qualified government IT contractor understands regulatory frameworks and aligns its solutions accordingly, and does not go against the grain. 

If you want to keep your agency’s data and overall IT structure intact and secure, you should hire an accredited contractor with valid proof of compliance. Third-party companies with no issues with licenses and permits ensure your project proceeds smoothly.

Reputation Management

IT contractors who maintain their accreditations and certifications demonstrate a strong reputation in the industry. It is easy for reputational issues to escalate when working with the public sector, so third-party companies that maintain an untarnished image likely work hard to keep their approval rate high. 

On the other side, choosing a certified IT contractor signals due diligence. It shows that your department cares about technical and ethical requirements when hiring external professionals and is concerned with protecting your agency’s institutional credibility.

Accreditations To Look for To Hire the Right Government IT Contractor

When looking for accredited government IT contractors in the Philippines, you want to look for evidence of strong technical capabilities and compliance. Below are key accreditations and certifications that indicate a contractor’s readiness to handle public-sector IT projects.

DICT Certificates

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) plays a central role in setting national ICT standards. DICT-related certifications indicate that a contractor aligns with government digital transformation goals and interoperability standards. 

More importantly, the department pushes for strict cybersecurity policies that contractors should comply with. One of the assessment programs under cybersecurity is the Accreditation Scheme for Cybersecurity Assessment Providers (ACAP), which is a required process for a contractor to be recognized as follows:

• Recognized Cybersecurity Assessment Provider for Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)
• Recognized Cybersecurity Assessment Provider for Information Security Management System (ISMS)

These certificates are especially relevant for projects involving government networks, data centers, and cloud services. Contractors with DICT recognition are better equipped to integrate these solutions into existing systems without exposing sensitive information to cybersecurity risks.

PCAB License

The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) license is essential for contractors working on infrastructure projects. Under RA 4566 or the “Contractor’s License Law”, no contractor is allowed to engage in any contracting activities without securing a PCAB license first.

IT professionals who serve public offices often engage in what the law indicates as “specialty contracting,” providing solutions such as structured cabling, data center construction, and integrated technology facilities.

A PCAB license confirms that the IT contractor has met financial, technical, and organizational requirements. For large-scale government deployments, this license ensures that infrastructure components are delivered safely, legally, and to specification.

ISO Certifications

ISO certifications are internationally recognized standards that validate an organization's management of quality, security, and service delivery. IT companies with this type of certification assure      that their processes are consistent and continually improving.

Common ISO standards for IT contractors include quality management (ISO 9001), information security (ISO/IEC 27017), and service management (ISO/IEC 20000-1). These certifications are especially important for systems that handle sensitive government data or support mission-critical operations.

NTC Licenses

Projects involving telecommunications equipment, radio systems, or network connectivity require authorization from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). An IT contractor with NTC licenses is legally permitted to deploy, configure, and maintain regulated communication technologies, including wireless data and network devices (WiFi routers and access points) and Customer Premises Equipment (fiber-optic and telephone handsets).

Hiring a contractor with an NTC license is critical for government agencies that rely on secure voice, data, and wireless systems, ensuring that each installed device is secure and of the highest quality. If you hire a third party without proper NTC licensing, your government IT overhaul project may face regulatory delays or operational shutdowns.

PhilGEPS Membership

Registration with the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) is a fundamental requirement for participation in government bidding and procurement. Without this membership, your agency is unlikely to find the contractor in the first place. 

A PhilGEPS-registered government IT contractor demonstrates transparency and eligibility to engage in public-sector contracts. This membership also simplifies procurement processes and ensures alignment with government purchasing protocols.

Labor Certifications

Compliance with labor laws is often overlooked but remains essential. Certifications related to labor standards, safety, and employment practices indicate that an IT contractor operates responsibly and sustainably. As a public office, you would want to hire only responsible contractors.

For long-term government projects, labor compliance reduces risks related to workforce disputes, project interruptions, and legal exposure. It also reflects the government’s commitment to ethical business practices.

Conclusion

Selecting accredited government IT contractors in the Philippines helps protect your agency from technical, legal, and operational risks. Before you engage in any contract involving third-party companies, ensure that you review the accreditations and certifications we discussed in this article. With careful evaluation, you will land a meaningful partnership with an IT contractor who can deliver secure, compliant, and reliable solutions.

If you’re wondering where to start looking, begin by exploring our full suite of solutions and services at InfoBahn Communications, Inc. Let’s discuss your needs and take the next step toward a modernized IT infrastructure for your agency