Resources for RMS Vendors

Getting Started

This page explains requirements for Record Management System (RMS) vendors seeking to work with the Connecticut Information Sharing System (CISS).

Overview

Under Public Act 23-36 (C.G.S. § 54-142s), the CJIS-CT Governing Board is responsible for overseeing a statewide system for sharing criminal justice information across Connecticut.

This law includes requirements for third-party vendors who need access to criminal justice information systems.

Important: Vendors must receive CJIS-CT approval before accessing any criminal justice information or connecting to CISS.

What This Means for RMS Vendors

Approval is required for activities including:

• Accessing criminal justice information
• Connecting systems, software, or hardware to CISS
• Participating in CJIS-CT system integrations

These requirements apply to any vendor or contractor working with criminal justice-related record management systems.

Approval for access to the following systems is handled separately by the DESPP COLLECT Unit:

• COLLECT
• NCIC
• NLETS

Vendor Requirements

Before submitting a request for approval, vendors must:

• Ensure all systems meet CJIS-CT technical and security specifications
• Confirm compatibility with the Connecticut Information Sharing System (CISS)
• Follow all applicable policies, procedures, and standards

Vendors planning to do business in Connecticut should also review the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) procurement requirements.

Next Steps

Vendors interested in becoming CISS-certified should work with the CJIS-CT Governing Board and ensure all requirements are met before submitting a contract.

For more information, visit the DAS procurement website or continue to the Submitting an Inquiry for Approval page.

Statutory Requirement

Effective October 1, 2023, Public Act 23-36 (C.G.S. § 54-142s (g)) requires that:

“Any third-party vendor or contractor of criminal justice-related record management systems, assisting in the design and implementation of the state-wide information technology system pursuant to this section, that requires access to criminal history record information maintained on the state's criminal justice information technology system shall, prior to being allowed to access such information, obtain written approval from the Criminal Justice Information System Governing Board to access such information in the manner prescribed by said board. Any contract, subcontract or amendment to a contract or subcontract entered into by the Criminal Justice Information System Governing Board and a third-party vendor or contractor concerning criminal justice-related record management systems shall include specifications established by said board that ensure that all policies, procedures, processes and control systems, including hardware, software and protocols that are provided by the third-party vendor or contractor are compatible with, and support, the state's criminal justice information technology system.”