What must any future procurement contracts address regarding vendors?

The focus of future procurement contracts regarding vendors should indeed address notifications of vendor incidents. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of the critical infrastructure dictated by NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards. In the context of cybersecurity and risk management, having a system in place that requires vendors to promptly notify the organization of any incidents is essential. This enables timely response and mitigation of potential risks that could impact the reliability and security of the grid.

Understanding incidents helps organizations not only assess the immediate threat but also evaluate the overall vendor's security posture. These notifications can cover a range of situations, from data breaches to operational failures, which can significantly affect an organization's operations and compliance with regulatory standards.

While other options might seem relevant in different procurement aspects, they do not directly align with the critical need for timely incident reporting mandated by NERC CIP requirements. Discounts, changes in revenue rates, and employee benefits may pertain to contract negotiations and financial arrangements but do not address the cybersecurity risk management objectives that are at the core of NERC CIP compliance.