DSU250302-ONLINEHBCU-ad1.pdf

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Addendum 1

RFP - Online Learning Consortium Support (eHBCU)

Contract Number: DSU250302-ONLINEHBCU

Questions and Answers

The work/ clarification/ answers listed in this addendum shall be considered part of the Bid/ RFP document for the referenced project/ product/ services, etc.

Below are questions and answers regarding subject RFP. All questions are written in black color font and the answers are provided in red color font.

1. Section number Appendix A, Scope of Work, Paragraph number a, Page number 41, Text of passage being questioned “DSU will consider proposals from OPMs/providers focused on marketing and supporting degree programs and non-degree programs (i.e., those with a Certificate or Certification specialty). Providers can submit an RFP on:

2. How the Provider will support the Consortium on the performance marketing and other related supports for up to 25 existing online degree and non-degree programs (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral, Certificate/Credentials and Certification programs) Answer: The Consortium expects the Provider will engage in market research to identify high demand certificate and certification opportunities.

3. How Provider will work with the Consortium to create, develop and launch new Certificate and Certification programs over the next 1-2 years”, Answer: The Provider support may include instructional design, subject matter experts (SME), pricing strategy, and marketing rollout. Ther Provider will assist in building employer partnerships to enhance program relevance and career pathways, performance tracking to refine program effectiveness post-launch.

4. My question relates to details regarding what the provider can submit an RFP on (Option A or B). Please clarify if it is mandatory for all bidders to provide the services listed as “(A/B)” in the section under “Provider Capabilities and Expected

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Investments”, or if providers choosing to submit an RFP on Option B can choose whether or not to include the services. Answer: The Providers submitting an RFP under Option B may choose whether to include all the listed services or propose a tailored approach that aligns with their expertise and the Consortium’s strategic objectives. While comprehensive support is encouraged, proposals will be evaluated based on the strength of the proposed approach and alignment with Consortium needs.

5. Strategic & Structural Questions Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “DSU has entered a partnership with five universities to develop an Online Learning Consortium.”

Question: Can you clarify the governance structure of the consortium? Who makes final decisions on program selection, pricing, and OPM engagement? The eHBCU Campus Consortium operates under a governance model, with Delaware State University (DSU) serving as the lead institution. A Consortium, composed of 11-member advisory board, provides strategic direction. Final decisions on program selection, pricing, and OPM engagement are made through a combination of institutional input and Consortium leadership, ensuring alignment with the collective goals of all member institutions.

6. Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “DSU has entered a partnership with five universities to develop an Online Learning Consortium.”

Question: What level of autonomy will each partner university have in curriculum development, faculty selection, and student support? Each partner university retains control over its curriculum development, faculty selection, and student support services, following institutional and accreditation guidelines. However, the Consortium establishes shared best practices and maintain consistency in program delivery and quality.

7. Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “DSU has entered a partnership with five universities to develop an Online Learning Consortium.”

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Question: Will DSU or another lead institution act as the fiscal agent, or will funding be distributed directly to each university? DSU serves as the fiscal agent for the Consortium, managing central funding, vendor agreements, and financial disbursements. However, each university may receive direct funding based on participation in specific initiatives or programs.

8. Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “DSU has entered a partnership with five universities to develop an Online Learning Consortium.”

Question: How will the consortium ensure alignment across universities with varying accreditation requirements and policies? The Consortium ensures alignment by working within each University’s accreditation framework. A dedicated compliance team oversees policies, articulation agreements, and faculty credentialing to ensure programs meet accreditation standards across institutions.

9.

Scope of Work & Deliverables Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “Support for up to 25 existing online degree and non-degree programs.”

Question: How many of the 25 existing online programs currently have established marketing, recruitment, and enrollment infrastructure? We are open to vendor recommendations. Out of the 25 existing online programs, a subset has established marketing and enrollment infrastructure. However, the level of sophistication varies, with some institutions relying on internal resources while others have external marketing support. The OPM provider will be expected to enhance and standardize these efforts.

10.

Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “The Provider will work with the Consortium to create, develop and launch new Certificate and Certification programs over the next 1-2 years.”

Question: What is the expected timeline for the new certificate and certification programs beyond the stated 1-2 years? Beyond the initial 1-2 years, the Consortium

4 | P a g e aims to expand its certificate and certification offerings in response to workforce demands. Program evaluations and market research will guide the long-term development plan. We would expect the selected vendor to enhance and standardize these efforts.

11.

Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “Support for up to 25 existing online degree and non-degree programs.”

Question: Does the OPM provider need to offer student support services (e.g., advising, career services), or will that be managed by the individual universities?

The Consortium Central Office staff will provide student support services in collaboration with individual universities, core academic advising and student support services.

12.

Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “Support for up to 25 existing online degree and non-degree programs.”

Question: Will the vendor be expected to assist in faculty training for online teaching, or is that outside the scope of work? No, the vendor is not expected to assist in faculty training for online teaching.

13.

Section number: III. Format for Proposal/ Required Information Paragraph number: B. General Evaluation Requirements Page number: 4 Text of passage being questioned: “The Evaluation Committee will judge the merits of proposals received in accordance with the criteria described.”

Question: Are there specific KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) or metrics that the vendor will be evaluated on (e.g., enrollment growth, student retention, course completion rates)? Yes, the Vendors will be evaluated based on clearly defined KPIs, including enrollment growth, student retention, course completion rates, and marketing performance metrics. Specific benchmarks will be established in the contract and negotiation phase.

14. Financial Model & Pricing

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15.

Section number: Attachment 6 Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Attachment Page] Text of passage being questioned: “Indicate all fees involved for each of the services you are proposing to provide.”

Question: Can you provide historical or projected enrollment data for existing online programs? Projected and historical enrollment data can be provided with the selected vendor.

16.

Section number: Attachment 6 Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Attachment Page] Text of passage being questioned: “Expected revenue share model in X% (revenue to Provider):Y% (revenue to the universities/consortium).”

Question: Will the revenue share model apply universally across programs, or can the structure vary by university or program type? Yes, the revenue share model will apply universally across the program. However, we may be open to discussing a varied structure.

17.

Section number: Attachment 6 Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Attachment Page] Text of passage being questioned: “Expected fee-for-service for each year.”

Question: Are there minimum revenue or enrollment guarantees expected from the OPM provider? Yes, the Vendors will be expected to demonstrate a clear plan for growth and sustainability.

18.

Section number: Attachment 6 Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Attachment Page] Text of passage being questioned: “Expected fee-for-service for each year.”

Question: Will the fee-for-service model allow for cost-plus or milestone-based pricing instead of flat-rate pricing? A cost-plus or milestone-based pricing model may be considered in addition to flat-rate pricing, depending on the nature of the services provided. The Consortium encourages pricing structures that align with long-term success.

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Section number: Attachment 6 Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Attachment Page] Text of passage being questioned: “Expected revenue share model... or other method of pricing.”

Question: If universities opt into the revenue share model, will marketing budgets be centrally allocated, or will each university fund its own efforts? If a revenue share model is used, marketing budgets may be centrally allocated or distributed to individual universities based on program needs. The final decision will be determined through contract negotiations.

20.

Technology & Integration Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “The Vendor(s) shall provide all equipment, materials, software, and labor...”

Question: What LMS (Learning Management System) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platforms are currently in use across the universities?

The universities in the Consortium currently use a mix of LMS platforms, including Blackboard and Canvas. CRM usage varies, with some institutions using Blackboard or other enrollment management systems.

21. Section number: II. Scope of Work/ Services

Page number: 3 Text of passage being questioned: “The Vendor(s) shall provide all equipment, materials, software, and labor to supplement the University’s need for this contract…” Question: Does the Consortium already have a centralized Learning Management System (LMS) and student information infrastructure in place, or is the vendor expected to provide or recommend these platforms? Each university uses its own system. The vendor may be asked to support integration across these platforms.

22.

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Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “The Vendor(s) shall provide all equipment, materials, software, and labor...”

Question: Will the OPM provider need to integrate with multiple university student information systems (SIS), or will there be a unified system? Yes, the OPM provider will need to integrate with multiple student information systems (SIS). A standardized approach to data exchange will be established to ensure seamless operations across institutions.

23.

Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “The Vendor(s) shall provide all equipment, materials, software, and labor...”

Question: Are there specific data-sharing agreements required between the OPM provider and the universities? Data-sharing agreements will be required between the OPM provider and the universities to ensure compliance with FERPA, GDPR, and other applicable data privacy regulations.

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Compliance & Legal Considerations

Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “The Vendor(s) shall provide all equipment, materials, software, and labor...”

Question: What are the cybersecurity and data privacy expectations for student and university data management? Vendors must adhere to stringent cybersecurity protocols, including data encryption, secure access controls, and compliance with federal and state regulations related to student data protection.

25.

Section number: D. Contract Terms and Conditions Paragraph number: k. Termination of Contract Page number: [Contract Terms Page] Text of passage being questioned: “The contract resulting from this RFP may be terminated as follows by Delaware State University.”

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Question: Does the contract allow for performance-based termination if KPIs are not met? Yes, the contract allows for performance-based termination if the vendor does not meet agreed-upon KPIs. Specific performance benchmarks will be detailed in the contract and negotiations.

26.

Section number: D. Contract Terms and Conditions Paragraph number: r. Work Product Page number: [Contract Terms Page] Text of passage being questioned: “All materials and products developed under the executed contract by the vendor are the sole and exclusive property of the University.”

Question: How will intellectual property rights be handled for newly developed content and courses? Newly developed courses and materials will remain the intellectual property of the Consortium or the individual universities, depending on the agreement. Vendors will not retain ownership rights.

27.

Competitive Landscape & Industry Positioning Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “DSU has entered a partnership with five universities to develop an Online Learning Consortium.”

Question: How does this consortium intend to differentiate itself from existing HBCU online initiatives like HBCUv? The eHBCU Campus Consortium differentiates itself through its focus on collaboration across multiple institutions, leveraging shared resources, and a unified support structure while maintaining institutional autonomy. Unlike other initiatives, it emphasizes workforce-aligned programming and expanded global outreach.

28.

Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “DSU has entered a partnership with five universities to develop an Online Learning Consortium.”

Question: Are there any exclusive partnerships or funding sources that will impact vendor selection? The Consortium does not have any exclusive partnerships or funding sources that would impact vendor selection.

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Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “The Online Learning Consortium is envisioned as the ‘front door’...”

Question: Will this initiative be marketed under a unified brand (e.g., eHBCU) or will each university retain its own branding in recruitment efforts? The Consortium will be marketed under a unified brand (eHBCU), but individual universities may retain their branding in specific marketing efforts. A coordinated branding approach will ensure consistency while allowing institutional identity.

30. Section number: Appendix A Paragraph number: 1 Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “Support for up to 25 existing online degree and non-degree programs.”

Question: Are there specific enrollment targets or growth projections the consortium is aiming to meet over the five-year contract period, per program? Yes, each program will have specific growth projections over the five-year contract period. These targets will be based on historical trends, market analysis, and institutional capacity.

31. Section number: Appendix A

Page number: [Appendix Page] Text of passage being questioned: “Support for up to 25 existing online degree and non-degree programs.”

Question: Can you provide current enrollment and retention numbers for each existing program that will be included? Detailed enrollment and retention numbers for each existing program will be provided to the selected vendor.

32. Section number: Appendix A, Paragraph number: iii. Infrastructure Setup (A, B), Page number: 10, Text of passage being questioned: "The Provider shall provide a Learning Management System to host the new Certificate and Certification programs when launched over the next 1-2 years If the Provider uses its own CRM, provide an overview of how the Provider could integrate with existing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems that may already exist at the universities today.", 10 | P a g e

33. Question: What are DSU's specific requirements or preferences for the vendor Learning Management System (LMS), including desired features, functionalities, and integration capabilities with existing university systems and what is / are the existing Customer Relationship Management System(s)? The eHBCU Consortium requires an LMS with robust integration capabilities, accessibility compliance (ADA, WCAG), and support for adaptive learning, mobile compatibility, and analytics tracking. The LMS should seamlessly integrate with the University's existing Student Information System (SIS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms.

Currently, institutions within the consortium utilize varying CRM systems, and any proposed LMS must provide API compatibility and data-sharing solutions to ensure interoperability.

34. Section number: Appendix A, Paragraph number: iii. Infrastructure Setup (A, B), Page number: 10, Text of passage being questioned: "The Provider shall offer data and analytics tools to track and report success.", Question: Could DSU elaborate on the specific / preferenced data and analytics tools, metrics, and KPIs required for tracking and reporting student and program success?

The Consortium seeks a data-driven approach to track student engagement, retention, course completion, and career outcomes. Key required metrics include:

• Enrollment trends

• Student progression and persistence rates

• Course success rates

• Faculty-student engagement analytics

• ROI on marketing and recruitment efforts

Preferred analytics tools should integrate seamlessly with institutional Student Information Systems (SIS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms, offering real-time reporting, predictive modeling, and customizable dashboards. We are open to vendor recommendations and best practices.

35. Section number: Appendix A, Paragraph number: iv. Instructional Design, Program and Course Development (B only), Page number: 10, Text of passage being questioned: "The Provider shall offer course design and program development services for the new Certificate and Certification programs, working closely with subject matter experts, faculty, and other stakeholders to co-create programs

11 | P a g e aligned with learning outcomes and career competencies.", Question: What level of involvement will DSU faculty and subject matter experts have in the course design and program development process for the new Certificate and Certification programs, and what specific expectations does DSU have for these services? We look to collaborate with a vendor to develop best-in-class certificates and certification programs. Faculty and subject matter experts (SMEs) from each partner institution will actively collaborate on curriculum development. The vendor will work closely with them or other SMEs to ensure program alignment with institutional standards, accreditation guidelines, and industry expectations. Expectations include co-developing course content, ensuring pedagogical integrity, and incorporating competency-based learning models. DSU anticipates a structured approval process before finalizing course materials.

36. Section number: Appendix A, Paragraph number: v. Other Services (A, B), Page number: 10, Text of passage being questioned: "The Provider should include detail on any other additional services offerings, e.g., retention-focused student support services, help-desk services", Question: Beyond the services listed in the RFP, what specific student support services or faculty/staff training are considered essential for this partnership and the successful implementation of the online programs? The vendor should list all services that bring value to the Consortium that are unique to its organization.

37. Section number: Appendix A, Paragraph number: Background and Overview of the Consortium, Page number: 9, Text of passage being questioned: "Expected Consortium launch is Fall 2025, but the Consortium plans to onboard an OPM partner for new non-degree programs for Fall 2025 enrollments and degree programs for Spring 2026 enrollments.", Question: What is the anticipated timeline for the development and launch of the new Certificate and Certification programs, including key milestones and deadlines or is this at the discretion of the vendor within the 1-2 years? The vendor will have discretion over the exact timeline but must align with the Consortium’s planned launch phases:

• Fall 2025: Launch of the first cohort for non-degree certificate programs

• Spring 2026: Expansion to online degree programs

• Ongoing: Continuous development based on market demand

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38. Section number: Appendix A, Paragraph number: Scope of Work, RFP Options, Page number: 9, Text of passage being questioned: "How the Provider will support the Consortium on the performance marketing and other related supports for up to 25 existing online degree and non-degree programs...", Question: Can DSU provide more detail on the "performance marketing" support they are seeking, including preferred marketing channels, strategies, and expected outcomes? Will we be provided access to the consortium programs, access to the performance marketing tools, and social media platforms / channels or is performance marketing expected to be solely from the vendor's owned platforms?

The Consortium expects a multi-channel marketing strategy that includes:

• SEO & PPC campaigns

• Social media and influencer marketing

• Email and content marketing

• Geotargeting and retargeting strategies

The vendor will be granted access to Consortium program information and branding but must propose whether marketing will leverage university-owned or vendor-owned platforms. We are open to vendor recommendations and best practices.

39. Section number: Appendix A, Page number: 10, Text of passage being questioned:

"The Provider shall offer data and analytics tools to track and report success.", Question: What are the expectations for ongoing maintenance and support of the online learning platform and programs, including technical support, updates, and issue resolution processes? Vendors must provide regular software updates, security patches, LMS enhancements, and technical support. Expectations include:

• Tiered support levels (basic troubleshooting to advanced technical assistance)

• Response-time SLAs for issue resolution

• Routine system updates and compatibility testing

40. Section number: Appendix B, Page number: 12, Text of passage being questioned:

"The awarded vendor(s) is required to comply with applicable security-related Federal, State, and Local laws.", Question: Beyond compliance with the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) security standards, are there any other specific compliance requirements or security certifications that the University requires? In addition to compliance with Delaware DTI security standards, vendors must align with:

• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) for international students

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• SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certification for data protection

• Accessibility compliance (ADA, Section 508, WCAG)

41. Section number: Attachment 6, Page number: 16, Text of passage being questioned: "Please clearly mention here how and how much you will be charging the University any fee for your services.", Question: Could DSU provide more information about the preferred pricing structure, especially concerning the balance between revenue share and fee-for-service models, and any specific requirements for cost breakdown and transparency?

Preferred Pricing Structure: The Consortium is open to both revenue-share and fee-for-service models but requires clear cost breakdowns, including:

• Fixed fees vs. percentage-based revenue sharing

• Scalability of costs based on enrollment growth

• Transparency in marketing spend allocation

• Performance-based incentives for meeting enrollment and retention targets

42. Section number Attachment 6, Paragraph number 4, Page number 34, Text of passage being questioned “Please clearly mention here how and how much you will be charging the University any fee for your services”, Question: Does the Online Learning Consortium have a preferred financial model between fee-for-service, revenue-sharing or an alternative model?

a. Answer: The Consortium preferred financial model is revenue-sharing.

However, The Consortium is open to various financial models, including fee-for-service, revenue-sharing, or hybrid structures, depending on alignment with Consortium goals and the long-term sustainability of the partnership. While a fee-for-service model may be preferable for the vendor’s specific operational needs, a revenue-sharing arrangement could be considered for scalable, performance-based initiatives that directly impact enrollment and retention.

Vendors are encouraged to propose a financial structure that ensures affordability while delivering high-quality services and measurable outcomes.

43. Section number Attachment 6, Paragraph number 4, Page number 34, Text of passage being questioned “Please clearly mention here how and how much you will be charging the University any fee for your services”, Question: Has

14 | P a g e the Online Learning Consortium identified a budget or budget range for the services requested in this RFP? If so, what is the budget or range?

a. Answer: The eHBCU Consortium has not publicly disclosed a fixed budget for this RFP. However, financial decisions will be based on value-driven proposals that demonstrate cost-effectiveness, scalability, and return on investment. Vendors should provide detailed pricing structures with justifications for costs, ensuring transparency in how fees are structured, whether through upfront costs, ongoing fees, or revenue-sharing mechanisms. Cost proposals should also reflect flexibility in scaling services to meet the Consortium’s evolving needs.

44. Section number_Appendix A_, Paragraph number_II.c__, Page number 39-41___, Text of passage being questioned “Upon the launch of the partnership, the Consortium will give the selected Provider comprehensive data on program historical enrollment. In this Appendix, the Consortium is providing online enrollment data for select existing programs that will be part of the Consortium”, Question: Could you please explain why enrollment totals are only listed for some programs?

a. Answer: The eHBCU Consortium has provided enrollment data for select existing programs based on available records and reporting consistency across partner institutions. Some programs may not have historical data included due to differences in data collection methodologies, recent program launches, or variations in how online enrollment has been tracked across institutions. The selected provider will receive comprehensive enrollment data upon the launch of the partnership to support informed decision-making.

45. Section number_Appendix A _, Paragraph number_II.c__, Page number_39-41__, Text of passage being questioned “Current enrollment for select existing programs”, Question: Which programs from the provided list are already available online?

a. Answer: The programs listed in the provided enrollment data that are already available online include those that have been previously developed and approved for online delivery by their respective institutions. A detailed breakdown of which programs are currently online versus those in development will be shared with the selected provider to ensure strategic alignment in marketing, recruitment, and program support efforts.

46. Section number_Appendix A_, Paragraph number_I.c__, Page number_37__, Text of passage being questioned: “The Consortium will partner with an OPM to launch 2-3 new Certificate and Certification programs each year”, Question: Could you please

15 | P a g e clarify whether you are seeking 2-3 online programs per year from those already offered on campus, or are you looking for entirely new programs not offered in any modality on or off campus?

a. Answer: The Consortium aims to launch 2-3 new online Certificate or Certification programs each year, which may include:

• Existing on-campus programs that will be adapted for online delivery.

• Entirely new programs designed to meet workforce and industry needs that are not currently offered in any modality.

b. The selection of new programs will be based on market demand, institutional capacity, and alignment with the strategic objectives of the eHBCU Consortium. The provider will work closely with the Consortium and partner institutions to develop and launch these programs successfully.

47. Section number Appendix A, Paragraph number 2, Page number 36, Text of passage being questioned N/A, Question: How does the Consortium plan to price its online programs? Answer: The eHBCU Consortium will not standardize program pricing across partner institutions. Each University’s Board of Trustees (BOT) determines tuition and fee structures in alignment with their institutional policies and financial models. The Consortium will facilitate collaboration and best practice sharing but will respect each institution’s autonomy in setting tuition rates.

48. Section number Appendix A, Paragraph number 2, Page number 36, Text of passage being questioned N/A, Question: Will there be a single pricing strategy for Consortium programs, or will each institution set its own cost per credit? Answer:

Each institution will set its own cost per credit for online programs. While the Consortium will provide guidance on competitive pricing strategies, final decisions on tuition and fees remain the responsibility of each university’s administration and governing board.

49. Section number Appendix A, Paragraph number 2, Page number 36, Text of passage being questioned N/A, Question: Will there be one program, e.g., MBA, for the Consortium or will multiple campuses host distinct programs?

Answer: The Consortium will support distinct programs across participating institutions. Some programs, such as an MBA, may be offered by one institution within the Consortium. However, we are open to vendor recommendations.

In some cases, new programs may be developed collaboratively across institutions to maximize resources and expertise.

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50. Section number Appendix A, Paragraph number 2, Page number 36, Text of passage being questioned N/A, Question: Does the Consortium intend to brand the selected programs with individual campus names, or will branding be centralized?

Answer: The branding of Consortium programs will be centralized but determined based on the nature of the program. We are open to vendor recommendations and best practices.

51. Section number Appendix A, Paragraph number 4, Page number 36, Text of passage being questioned “[E] enroll 5,000-10,000 students across all programs and Universities by the 2029-2030 academic year,” Question: Are there goals specific to individual campuses or programs as well?

Answer: The Consortium aims to enroll 5,000–10,000 students across all programs and institutions by the 2029-2030 academic year. While this is a collective target, specific enrollment goals will be determined at the institutional and program levels based on market demand, capacity, and institutional priorities. With vendor support, the Consortium will provide strategic enrollment support to help institutions achieve their individual targets.

52. Section number Appendix A, Paragraph number 2, Page number 36, Text of passage being questioned N/A, Question: If possible, please share the governance structure of the consortium, i.e., who will make final decisions with the selected vendor about which programs are launched first and which to consider for future selections?

a. Answer: The eHBCU Campus Consortium operates under a governance model, with Delaware State University (DSU) serving as the lead institution. A Consortium, composed of 11-member advisory board, provides strategic direction. Final decisions on program selection, pricing, and OPM engagement are made through Delaware State University Leadership, ensuring alignment with the collective goals of all member institutions.

53. Section number: II. Provider Capabilities and Expected Investments, Paragraph number: iii. Infrastructure Setup, Page number: 5, Text of passage being questioned: “The Provider shall provide a Learning Management System to host the new Certificate and Certification programs when launched over the next 1-2

17 | P a g e years.”, Question: Does DSU have any preferred LMS platforms or technical specifications that the Provider should consider for system compatibility?

a. DSU does not have a single preferred LMS for the Consortium; however, it prioritizes compatibility with widely used platforms such as Blackboard, Canvas, and D2L Brightspace. The selected provider should ensure seamless integration with institutional LMS systems while also supporting centralized analytics, student engagement tools, and compliance with accessibility standards.

54. Section number: 5. General Contract Terms, n. Vendor Activity, Paragraph number:

, Page number: 26, Text of passage being questioned: “Vendor Activity - No activity is to be executed in an offshore facility, either by a subcontracted firm or a foreign office or division of the vendor.”, Question: Given that the purpose of this RFP is to establish an online learning consortium across multiple HBCU institutions with a focus on scalability, innovation, and digital transformation, we would like to clarify whether there is any flexibility regarding the restriction on offshore activity.

Specifically: Can work related to content development, instructional design, and technical support be performed by highly qualified teams located outside of the

United States if such services align with DSU’s goals and meet all data security, compliance, and quality standards?

a. DSU acknowledges the importance of flexibility in developing a scalable and innovative online learning consortium. The RFP restricts offshore activities, the University General Counsel will provide guidance.

b. Section number: Scope of Work I. Background and Overview of the

Consortium, Paragraph number: 2, Page number: 40, Text of passage being questioned: “The Consortium will be led by DSU, in partnership with five other HBCUs.”, Question: Could DSU provide additional details on how governance and decision-making will be managed within the Consortium?

Will there be a centralized governance structure led by DSU, or will each

18 | P a g e participating HBCU retain independent decision-making authority over program offerings, marketing, and student support?

c. The Consortium will operate under a centralized governance structure led by

DSU, with representation from each participating partner in eHBCU. While overarching strategy and vendor relationships will be managed centrally, individual institutions will retain autonomy over their specific programs.

55. Section number: Scope of Work I b. RFP Options: Existing degree and non-degree programs, and new certificate/certification programs, Paragraph number: 4, Page number: 40, Text of passage being questioned: “The Consortium plans to partner with the OPM to support up to 25 of the existing programs currently offered online by the institutions.”, Question: For the up to 25 existing programs that the

Consortium plans to support, will DSU provide a list of corresponding enrollment data and performance metrics to help inform Construct’s recommendation on priority areas for growth?

a. DSU will provide enrollment data and performance metrics for existing programs with selected Vendor.

56. Section number: II. Provider Capabilities and Expected Investments, a. Overview of

Provider capabilities, Paragraph number: 2, Page number: 41, Text of passage being questioned: “Provider Team: Please provide list of the on-the-ground team members who will support this project.”, Question: Can DSU provide their definition of on-the-ground team members?

a. The term “on-the-ground team members” refers to vendor personnel who will provide direct, hands-on support for implementation, marketing, enrollment specialists, technical support staff, etc. These roles may involve

19 | P a g e both virtual and in-person engagement at DSU and partner institutions.

57. Section number: RFP Options: Existing degree and non-degree programs, and new certificate/certification programs, Paragraph number: 3, Page number: 40, Text of passage being questioned: “DSU will consider proposals from OPMs/providers focused on marketing and supporting degree programs and non-degree programs.”, Question: To clarify the scope of OPM services, will the selected vendor be expected to provide LMS integration, course development, and faculty support for all participating institutions, and offer centralized or individualized marketing and student support services depending on each HBCU’s enrollment goals?

a. The selected OPM/provider is expected to support centralized LMS integration and course development for new non-degree programs.

Performance Marketing support for existing and new degree programs based on each partner’s enrollment goals.

58. Section number: Background and Overview of the Consortium, Paragraph number:

4, Page number: 40, Text of passage being questioned: “Expected Consortium launch is Fall 2025.”, Question: Is there flexibility in the Fall 2025 launch timeline for non-degree programs and Spring 2026 for degree programs, and would DSU consider a phased rollout to onboard priority programs earlier and scale additional programs over time?

a. DSU is open to a phased rollout for non-degree programs before Fall 2025 and degree programs by Spring 2026 if the vendor demonstrates readiness and strategic advantages in an early launch.

59. Section number: Background and Overview of the Consortium, Paragraph number:

4, Page number: 40, Text of passage being questioned: “In total, the Consortium aspires to enroll 5,000-10,000 students across all programs and Universities by the

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2029-2030 academic year.”, Question: For the target of 5,000-10,000 enrollments by 2029-2030, does DSU have an initial breakdown of enrollment projections by degree versus non-degree programs, or by specific institutions or program types?

a. eHBCU aspires to enroll 5,000-10,000 students by 2029-2030, the specific breakdown by degree, non-degree programs, and institutions is still being refined. The projections will be shared as data is consolidated with the selected vendor.

60. Section number: RFP Options: Existing degree and non-degree programs, and new certificate/certification programs, Paragraph number: 4, Page number: 40, Text of passage being questioned: “DSU will consider proposals from OPMs/providers focused on marketing and supporting degree programs and non-degree programs.”, Question: Revenue-sharing option, is there a preferred percentage structure or timeline for profit-sharing?

a. DSU is open to discussions regarding profit-sharing structures and timelines.

Proposals should outline potential percentage structures and justifications for revenue-sharing terms as outlined in the RFP.

61. Section number: RFP Options: Existing degree and non-degree programs, and new certificate/certification programs, Paragraph number: N/A, Page number: 2, Text of passage being questioned: “How Provider will work with the Consortium to create, develop and launch new Certificate and Certification programs.”, Question: Will the

Consortium provide subject matter expertise (SMEs), or is the vendor expected to facilitate this process?

a. The Consortium will provide SMEs from participating institutions, but the vendor may also be expected to facilitate curriculum development and workforce alignment in collaboration with faculty and industry partners.

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62. Section number: II. Provider Capabilities and Expected Investments, Paragraph number: i. Performance Marketing and Lead Generation & Nurturing (A, B), Page number: 41, Text of passage being questioned: “Detail lead targets that the

Consortium can achieve for the selected up to 25 existing programs and/or for the new Certificates/Credentials and Certifications.”, Question: Will DSU provide historical enrollment data and lead conversion rates for existing programs to help inform more accurate lead target projections and expected conversion rates for both degree and certificate/certification programs?

a. Yes, DSU will share historical enrollment data and lead conversion rates for existing programs where available to help inform vendor projections for marketing and enrollment targets.

63. Section number: iii. Infrastructure Setup (A, B), Paragraph number: N/A, Page number: 42, Text of passage being questioned: “The Provider shall provide a

Learning Management System to host the new Certificate and Certification programs.”, Question: Since Construct Education does not directly provide LMS platforms but partners with LMS providers, would DSU be open to subcontracting

LMS services or collaborating with an approved LMS vendor to meet this requirement?

a. DSU is open to considering subcontracting LMS services or working with an approved LMS vendor if the primary vendor does not provide a proprietary platform.

64. Section number: ii. Providers’ Expected Delivery Timeline, Paragraph number: N/A, Page number: 43, Text of passage being questioned: “Share delivery timeline from

Provider contract start (June 2025) to the first enrollment date (Fall 2025 for new

Certificate and Certification programs).”, Question: Is DSU open to a phased or staggered rollout of certificate and certification programs prior to Fall 2025 if the

Provider demonstrates readiness to launch priority programs earlier, or does DSU

22 | P a g e prefer a firm Fall 2025 launch date for all new programs?

a. DSU prefers a Fall 2025 launch but is open to staggered rollouts if the provider demonstrates readiness for early implementation.

65. Section number: Appendix: Current Enrollment for Select Existing Programs, Paragraph number: N/A, Page number: 43-45, Text of passage being questioned:

“Data to be provided upon contract start.”, Question: Since enrollment data for most existing programs will be provided after contract start, can DSU provide preliminary or sample enrollment data for select programs to allow the Provider to develop more accurate initial marketing and lead generation models in the proposal?

a. eHBCU will explore providing preliminary sample data for selected programs in negotiations with the selected vendor.

66. Section number: c. Additional questions, i. Risks, mitigation and litigation, Paragraph number: N/A, Page number: 42, Text of passage being questioned: “What regulatory or partnership risks may affect the partnership?”, Question: Would DSU be open to collaborating on a joint risk management framework that defines potential partnership risks, identifies mitigation strategies, and outlines contingency plans for maintaining service continuity?

a. eHBCU is open to collaborating on a joint risk management framework to identify and mitigate risks associated with the partnership proactively.

67. Section number: Appendix B, Paragraph number: Compliance, Page number: 47, Text of passage being questioned: “The awarded vendor(s) is required to comply with applicable security-related Federal, State, and Local laws.”, Question: Will

DSU provide a list of all applicable federal, state, and local cybersecurity laws and regulations that vendors are expected to comply with, or is the vendor responsible for identifying relevant compliance requirements?

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a. Vendors are expected to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. DSU will provide guidance on specific compliance requirements as needed.

68. Section number: Appendix B, Paragraph number: Media Notice, Page number: 47, Text of passage being questioned: “No media notice may be issued without the approval of the University/State.”, Question: In the event of a data breach, would

DSU prefer that the vendor prepare draft media notices for review, or will DSU’s internal communications team handle external messaging?

a. The eHBCU internal communications team in collaboration with eHBCU

Partners will manage external messaging, but vendors may prepare draft media notices for review if required.

69. Section number: Background and Overview of the Consortium, Paragraph number:

1, Page number: 4, Text of passage being questioned: “The Consortium will serve as the ‘front door’ to attract students, who will then enroll at one of the partner universities.” Question: Will the marketing strategy utilize the Consortium brand, the individual university brands, or a combination of both? Additionally, has a formal brand identity been developed for the Consortium, and if so, will guidelines or assets be provided to the selected vendor?

a. The marketing strategy will include both Consortium branding and individual university branding. Branding guidelines and assets will be provided to the vendor.

70. Section Number: II. Provider Capabilities and Expected Investments, Paragraph

Number: iv. Instructional Design, Program and Course Development (B only), Page

Number: 42, Text of Passage Being Questioned: “The Provider shall offer course design and program development services for the new Certificate and Certification programs, working closely with subject matter experts, faculty, and other stakeholders to co-create programs aligned with learning outcomes and career

24 | P a g e competencies.” Question: Will DSU and the Consortium provide guidance or expectations regarding industry alignment and workforce development for these certificate and certification programs? Are there existing employer partnerships or workforce initiatives that should be leveraged to ensure that these programs address current labor market demands? Does the Consortium have plans to establish an Employer Advisory Board or similar mechanism to gather input from industry stakeholders on course design, learning outcomes, and career competencies? If not, would the selected OPM be expected to facilitate this process?

a. eHBCU will provide guidance on workforce development goals, and vendors are encouraged to leverage employer partnerships to align certificate and certification programs with industry needs. An Employer Advisory Board may be established.

71. Section Number: ii. Recruiting, Conversion and Enrollment, Paragraph Number: 1, Page Number: 42, Text of Passage Being Questioned: “The Provider shall offer services to convert marketing leads to ‘interested’ and eventually ‘applicants.’”

Question: Has DSU or the Consortium implemented any recent marketing strategies for online degree and certificate programs? If so, can the selected OPM access performance data and insights to refine future marketing and lead generation efforts?

a. Where possible, DSU will share marketing performance insights to help the vendor refine lead generation and conversion strategies.

72. Section Number: Appendix B, Paragraph Number: Vendor Protection of Customer

Data, Page Number: 46, Text of Passage Being Questioned: “The awarded vendor shall, at a minimum, comply with all Delaware Department of Technology and

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Information (DTI) security standards…” Question: Are there any established protocols or policies regarding data sharing and ownership between DSU, partner institutions, and the selected OPM? Specifically, are there guidelines on the sharing of learner data, enrollment metrics, and program performance data across institutions?

a. Yes. A data governance framework is established to define ownership and sharing policies, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations for student and program performance data.

73. Section Number: New Certificates and Certifications, Paragraph Number: 1, Page

Number: 41, Text of Passage Being Questioned: “The Consortium will partner with an OPM to launch 2-3 new Certificate and Certification programs each year.”

Question: Has the Consortium explored potential employer sponsorships, tuition assistance programs, or corporate partnerships to encourage student enrollment and reduce financial barriers for learners pursuing these certificate and certification programs?

a. The Consortium is exploring corporate sponsorships, tuition assistance programs, and employer partnerships to enhance student access and affordability. The selected OPM may assist in building these partnerships.

74. Section Number: New Certificates and Certifications, Paragraph Number: 1, Page

Number: 41, Text of Passage Being Questioned: “The Consortium will partner with an OPM to launch 2-3 new Certificate and Certification programs each year.”

Question: Will there be an opportunity for the selected OPM to assist in developing internship, apprenticeship, or work-based learning pathways to complement these new Certificate and Certification programs?

a. eHBCU is open to developing internships, apprenticeships, and…