The Importance of the IRIC Manual in Public Contracts

During the University Risk Management and Insurance Association’s (URMIA’s) 2025 annual conference in Las Vegas, Robert Schimke and Amy Lightner, Alliant Public Entity, presented a session on the Insurance Requirements in Contracts (IRIC) manual.

The IRIC manual, created and maintained by Alliant Public Entity, provides the latest recommendations for insurance limits, wording and endorsements, making it an essential guide for risk managers and contract administrators.

In their session entitled “Risk Transfer and Public Contracts,” Robert and Amy discussed the importance of the manual in helping professionals manage insurance requirements in public contracts. For those not able to attend the URMIA annual conference, here is an overview of that presentation.

What is the Alliant Insurance Requirements in Contracts (IRIC) Manual?

The IRIC manual is a detailed reference guide designed to help users establish insurance requirements in public contracts and navigate everything from initial risk analysis to contract review. This guide offers:

• Simple steps to develop proper insurance requirements in contracts and how to verify compliance with those requirements during the term of the contract.
• Practical tools, such as checklists and flowcharts, that guide users through each step of the contracting process.
• Strategies to ensure consistency and reduce errors, ultimately saving time and mitigating risk.

The Alliant Public Entity team maintains and updates the IRIC manual as part of our commitment to the public entity space, incorporating feedback and reflecting evolving industry standards, to ensure the manual remains relevant and valuable for clients and the broader risk management community.

What Common Challenges in Public Contracts Does the IRIC Manual Address?

Contracts are inherently complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The IRIC manual helps users identify critical details such as:

• Insurance limits
• Endorsements
• Waivers

These details can all help to prevent costly claims and ensure public entities address every aspect of risk transfer. For those new to the manual, the Contract Review Checklist, located in the IRIC manual, is a practical starting point. This concise, one-and-a-half-page guide outlines what to look for in a contract and differentiates responsibilities between parties. It also emphasizes documentation to support decisions. In addition to using the checklist, consulting with brokers, general counsel and risk managers is recommended for comprehensive contract management.

What Type of Public Entities Will Benefit from Using the IRIC Manual?

The IRIC manual has helped countless risk management professionals streamline their work across various public entities. Its longevity and adaptability mean it addresses a wide range of scenarios, offering recommended language and best practices for different contract types.

The IRIC manual is particularly valuable for colleges and universities, which often operate like small cities. These institutions manage diverse risks—from public access and health centers to special events and liquor liability. High turnover in higher education makes the manual an essential roadmap for new professionals entering the field, providing clarity and confidence in navigating complex contractual obligations.

Looking Ahead: How Alliant Public Entity Supports Ongoing Risk Management

At URMIA, Alliant Public Entity engaged with risk management professionals to discuss emerging challenges and solutions, particularly in higher education. From growing risks like AI and cybersecurity to Title IX, school safety and enrollment trends, Alliant Public Entity regularly attends and presents at conferences like URMIA to help public entities stay competitive and resilient.  

Through maintaining resources like the IRIC manual and attending collaborative forums such as URMIA, Alliant Public Entity strengthens our commitment to helping risk management professionals across the public sector adapt and succeed. For more information, reach out to a specialist from the Alliant Public Entity team today or access the IRIC manual here.