ESBD_396695_1739807989556_717-25-717, RFO for Learning Management System.pdf

REQUEST FOR OFFER

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

RFO # 717-25-717

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTAL:

11:00 a.m., Central Standard Time, Thursday, March 6, 2025

(Proposals received after the date and time specified will not be accepted)

Texas Southern University

PROCUREMENT SERVICES

Attn: Sceffers Ward 3100 Cleburne Street

Mack O. Hannah Hall, Suite 333 Houston, Texas 77004 - 4598

Request for Offers for Learning Management System| 2

Section 1 - General Information & Requirements

1.1 General Information

1.2 Contract Term

1.3 Clarifications and

Interpretations

1.4 Submission of Proposals

1.5 Point of Contact

1.6 Communication Restrictions

1.7 Owner’s Reservation of Right

1.8 Acceptance of Evaluation

Methodology

1.9 No Reimbursement for Costs

1.10 Pre-Submittal Conference

1.11 Eligible Offerors

1.12 Historically Underutilized

Businesses Submittal

Requirements

1.13 Sales and Use Taxes

1.14 Certification of Franchise Tax

Status

1.15 Prevailing Minimum Wage

Rate Determination

1.16 Required Notice of Workers

Compensation Insurance

Coverage

1.17 Disclosure of Interested

Parties Statute

1.18 State Registration of

Architecture Firms

1.19 State Registration of

Engineering Firms

1.20 Vendor Performance

Section 2 - Executive Summary

2.1 Historical Background

2.2 Mission Statement

2.3 Scope of Work

2.4 Desirable Services

2.5 Projects Planning Schedule

2.6 Criteria and Weighted/Value

Section 3 - Requirements for Statement of Offers

3.1 Offeror’s Relevant

Qualifications and

Experience in Higher

Education

3.2 Offeror’s Approach and

Methodology

3.3 Offeror’s References

3.4 Offeror’s Cost Proposal

Section 4 - Format for Statement of Offers

4.1 General Instructions

4.2 Page Size, Binding, Dividers, and Tabs

4.3 Table of Contents

4.4 Pagination

Section 5 – Execution of Offers and Attachments

5.1 Execution of Offers and Attachments

5.2 Policy of Utilization of Historically Underutilized Business (HUB)

5.3 House Bill 1295 (Certificate of Interested Parties)

SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 SCOPE. The State of Texas, by and through Texas Southern University (TSU), seeks sealed Proposals to establish a contract with a qualified company that can provide a

Course Design and Development Services in accordance with the scope of services below. Qualified respondents are invited to submit a written response outlining their qualifications, experience, and pricing for the services as described in the Scope of Services, and in accordance with the terms, conditions, and requirements set forth in the Request for Offer (RFO). The successful proposer(s) will provide the scope of services in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards.

1.2 CONTRACT TERM. The base contract term shall be for three (3) years, beginning on the effective date of the Agreement. The contract may be renewed for up to two (2) additional one (1) year renewal terms. Notice of renewal will be issued in writing approximately thirty (30) days prior to the end of the current performance period. The maximum duration of the contract, including the exercise of optional renewals, shall not exceed five (5) consecutive years unless mutually determined otherwise (if applicable).

1.3 CLARIFICATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS: Any clarifications or interpretations of this RFP that materially affect or change its requirements will be posted by the Owner as an addendum on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website at https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd. It is the responsibility of all offerors to obtain this information in a timely manner. All such addenda issued by the Owner before the proposals are due as part of the RFP, and respondents shall acknowledge receipt of and incorporate each addendum in its Proposals.

1.3.1 All inquiries shall be submitted in writing (in Word format) via email to Mr.

Sceffers Ward at and procurement@tsu.edu by 12:00 noon Central time on Monday, February 24, 2025; the date listed as the deadline for submission of questions as specified in Section 2.5 below.

1.3.2 Offerors shall consider only those clarifications and interpretations that the Owner issues by addenda five (5) business days prior to the submittal deadline. Interpretations or clarifications in any other form, including oral statements, will not be binding on the Owner and should not be relied on in preparing Proposals.

1.4 SUBMISSION OF OFFERS

1.4.1 Deadline and Location: The Owner will receive Proposals at the time and location described below.

Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:00am

Physical Address for Courier Delivery:

3100 Cleburne Street Hannah Hall, Suite 333 Houston, Texas 77004 - 4598 https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd mailto:procurement@tsu.edu

Attn: Mr. Sceffers Ward or

TSU Post Office - Texas Southern University Post-Office. You may find the exact location for the Post Office (Bldg. #106_PO) on the campus map.

http://www.tsu.edu/about/campus/pdf/tsu-campus-map.pdf

The submittals should be packaged tightly with a business card affixed. A TSU representative will be in place to monitor the deliveries the day of the closing. If you have any questions, please mail the Texas Southern University contact stated in the bid. Thank you for cooperating with this request.

1.4.2 Offeror must submit one (1) original and three (3) identical copies of the Proposals and one (1) PDF copy on a flash drive. An original signature must be included on the “Respondent’s Statement of Qualifications and Ability to Undertake the Project” document submitted with each copy.

1.4.3 Offeror must submit one (1) original and one (1) copy of the HUB Subcontracting Plan (“HSP”) as separate attachments to the Proposals as described in Section 5.2.

1.4.4 LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

1.4.5 The Owner will not acknowledge or receive Proposals that are delivered by telephone, facsimile (fax), or electronic mail (e-mail).

1.4.6 Properly submitted Proposals will not be returned to offerors.

1.4.7 Proposals materials must be enclosed in a sealed envelope (box or container) addressed to the Point of Contact person; the package must clearly identify the submittal deadline, the RFP number, and the name and return address of the offeror.

1.5 POINT OF CONTACT: The Owner designates the following person, as its representative and Point-of-Contact for this RFP. Respondents shall restrict all contact with the Owner and direct all questions regarding this RFP, including questions regarding terms and conditions, to the Point-of-Contact person.

Mr. Sceffers Ward, Director of Purchasing

3100 Cleburne Street Houston, TX 77004 713-313-7887 E-mail: procurement@tsu.edu

1.6 COMMUNICATION RESTRICTIONS: Offerors may communicate only with the Point of Contact and no other person regarding this RFP or concerning matters related to it.

Failure to comply with these requirements and communications with other than the Point of Contact may result in disqualification of a response.

1.7 OWNER’S RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: The Owner may evaluate the Offers based on the anticipated completion of all or any portion of the Project. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Offers and re-solicit for new Proposals. The Owner makes no representations, written or oral, that it will enter into any form of agreement with any http://www.tsu.edu/about/campus/pdf/tsu-campus-map.pdf mailto:procurement@tsu.edu offeror to this RFO for the Project, and no such representation is intended or should be construed by the issuance of this RFO.

1.7.1 Offeror understands and agrees that this RFO and any subsequent contract ensuing from this solicitation is contingent upon the approval by the Owner and/or Texas Southern University’s Board of Regents. Offeror understands and agrees that Owner has made no representation, written or oral, that any such approvals will be obtained. If any such approvals are not obtained, offeror understands and agrees that this RFO and any subsequent agreement ensuing from this solicitation will be null, void, and of no effect.

COMMODITY CODE

The NIGP / State of Texas commodity codes for this solicitation: 209-69

1.8 ACCEPTANCE OF EVALUATION METHODOLOGY: By submitting its Proposal in response to this RFP, offeror accepts the evaluation process and acknowledges and accepts that determination of the “most qualified” firm(s) will require subjective judgments by the Owner.

1.9 NO REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS: Offeror acknowledges and accepts that any costs incurred from its participation in this RFP process shall be at the sole risk, expense, and responsibility of the offeror.

1.10 PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE / WALKTHROUGH: No meetings are necessary

1.11 ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Only individual firms or lawfully formed business organizations may apply (This does not preclude an offeror from using consultants.) The Owner will contract only with the individual firm or formal organization/partnership that submits a Proposal.

1.12 HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: It is the policy of Texas Southern University to promote and encourage contracting and subcontracting opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses (“HUB”) in all contracts. Accordingly, Texas Southern University has adopted Section 5.2 Policy on Utilization of Historically Underutilized Businesses. This policy applies to all contracts with an expected value of $100,000 or more. If Texas Southern University determines those subcontracting opportunities are probable, then a HUB subcontracting plan is a required element of the Proposal. Failure to submit a required HUB Subcontracting plan will result in rejection of the Proposal.

1.12.1 Statement of Probability: Owner has determined that subcontracting opportunities are probable in connection with this procurement solicitation.

Therefore, an HSP is required as a part of an offeror's Proposal.

1.12.2 The HUB Subcontracting goal for the RFP is 26% for Information Technology Services. Offerors are expected to make a good faith effort to meet this goal.

The HSP may be prepared by the Offeror with all of the sub-consultants.

1.12.3 Refer to the Owner’s Policy on the Utilization of Historically Underutilized Businesses (“HUB Policy”), for a detailed list of attachments required with the

1.12.4 The “Statement of Probability” determines the probability for subcontracting opportunities. This determination will clarify which statements, detailed in Figure 1, will be required to be completed and returned.

1.12.5 For information regarding Texas Southern University’s HUB Program and HUB Subcontracting opportunities, please contact Mr. Sceffers Ward, HUB Coordinator, sceffers.ward@tsu.edu.

1.13 SALES AND USE TAXES: Section 151.311, Tax Code, permits the purchase free of state sales and use taxes of tangible personal property to be incorporated into realty in the performance of a contract for an improvement to realty for certain exempt entities that include Texas Southern University. The section further permits the purchase tax-free of tangible personal property (other than machinery or equipment and its accessories and repair and replacement parts) for use in the performance of such a contract if the property is “necessary and essential for the performance of the contract” and “completely consumed at the job site.” In addition, the section permits the purchase tax-free of a tangible service for use in the performance of such a contract if the service is performed at the job site and if “the contract expressly requires the specific service to be provided or purchased by the person performing the contract” or “the service is integral to the performance of the contract.”

It is the responsibility of the Offeror to incorporate allowable tax savings into its Proposal.

1.14 CERTIFICATION OF FRANCHISE TAX STATUS: Offerors are advised that if successful it will be required to submit certification that it is not delinquent in the payment of any franchise tax status due under Chapter 171 of the Texas Tax Code, or that it is exempt from the payment of such taxes, or that it is an out-of-state legal entity and not subject to the Texas Franchise Tax, whichever is applicable. The Offeror further agrees that each subcontractor and supplier under contract will also provide an appropriate certification of franchise tax status.

1.15 PREVAILING MINIMUM WAGE RATE DETERMINATION: Offerors are advised that the Texas Prevailing Wage Law applies to this Project will be administered in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth in Texas Southern University’s document, entitled “Prevailing Wage Guidelines.” A copy is attached to the Special Conditions.

1.16 REQUIRED NOTICES OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE COVERAGE:

Section 406.096, Texas Labor Code, and the rules of the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission, require workers’ compensation insurance coverage for all persons providing services on a building or construction project for a governmental entity.

1.17 DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTED PARTIES STATUTE: In its proposal, Offerors must agree to comply with Section 2252.908, Texas Government Code (“Disclosure of Interested Parties Statute”) and 1 Texas Administration Code Sections 46.1 through 46.3 (“Disclosure of Interested Parties Regulations”) as implemented by the Texas Ethics Commission (“TEC”), including, among other things, providing the TEC and University with the information required by the Disclosure of Interested Parties Statute and the Disclosure of Interested Parties Regulations on the form promulgated by the TEC and set forth in APPENDIX EIGHT. The form will be required to be submitted to Owner prior to the countersigning of the final agreement and not submitted with this RFQ.

mailto:sceffers.ward@tsu.edu http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2252.htm#2252.908 https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/rules/adopted_Nov_2015.html#Ch46.1 https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/rules/adopted_Nov_2015.html#Ch46.1

1.18 STATE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS: Offerors are advised that the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners requires that any firm or business entity providing architectural services to the public, other than a sole proprietor doing business under his/her name must annually register information regarding the firm or business entity with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2-350, Austin, Texas 78701, telephone (512) 305-9000, has jurisdiction over individuals licensed under the Architects’ Registration Law, Chapter 1051, Texas Occupations Code.

1.19 STATE REGISTRATION OF ENGINEERING FIRMS: Respondents are advised that the Texas Board of Professional Engineers requires that any entity providing engineering services to the public must register with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers. An entity is defined as a sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, corporation, or joint stock association.

1.20 VENDOR PERFORMANCE: In accordance with Texas Government Code, 2155.074 and 2155.75, vendor performance may be used as a disqualification factor in the award.

Vendor performance information on the Controller of Public Accounts web site may be accessed at: http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/vendor_performance/.

The Owner may conduct reference checks with other entities regarding past performance. In addition to evaluating performance through the Vendor Performance Tracking System (as authorized by 34 Texas Administrative Code §20.108), the Owner may examine other sources of vendor performance including, but not limited to, notices of termination, cure notices, assessments of liquidated damages, litigation, audit reports, and non-renewals of contracts. Such sources of vendor performance may include any governmental entity, whether an agency or political subdivision of the State of Texas, another state, or the Federal government. Further, the Owner may initiate such examinations of vendor performance based upon media reports. Any such investigations shall be at the sole discretion of the Owner, and any negative findings, as determined by the Owner, may result in non-award to the Offeror.

End of Section I http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/vendor_performance/

SECTIONS 2 – UNIVERSITY BACKGROUND / SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Texas Southern University (“TSU”) is an elite, Carnegie R2 Institution and proud to be the premiere producer of diversity for building a talent strong Texas. The Owner one of the largest Historically Black College/University (“HBCU”) in the nation and destined to become the first HBCU with the coveted Carnegie R1 status.

Since its founding in 1927, TSU has evolved from its origins as a small junior college into an elite, nationally competitive, Texas Southern is proud to be one of 11 HBCU’s designated as a Doctoral University of High Research Activity (R2) by The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Recognized for not only its research, TSU has demonstrated a commitment in every facet of university life from academics to athletics. Texas Southern University currently offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations at the baccalaureate, graduate-master, graduate-doctoral, and professional level. These programs are organized into 11 colleges and the campus is situated on more than 150-acres of land in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward community.

As the institution celebrates 95 years of providing learners with social and upward mobility through education, the administration has paid tribute to its rich past, while celebrating its present state, and envisioning its future.

Currently, Texas Southern University enrollment is approximately 8,000 students. The institution is currently finalizing a new strategic plan for the campus community.

Preliminary strategies and goals contemplate the institution moving to 10,000 students by 2025 and 15,000 students in fall 2030.

Texas Southern University is committed to transforming lives and achieving unprecedented success at an accelerated pace. The Board of Regents, President, Administration, Faculty, and Staff live the mission of TSU everyday through their respective commitment to the students. Texas Southern University is PROUD to be the first public institution in Houston.

2.2 MISSION STATEMENT:

Texas Southern University is a comprehensive research, teaching, and public service institution whose mission is the advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of excellence. The University is committed to ensuring equality, by offering innovative programs that are responsive to its urban setting, and transforming diverse students into lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and creative leaders in their local, national, and global communities.

2.3 SCOPE OF WORK

SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 SCOPE

The purpose of this RFO is to solicit a qualified and comprehensive academic Learning

Management System (LMS) vendor to enhance and strengthen our teaching and learning capabilities. As the centerpiece for teaching and learning, we are looking for a robust, user-friendly platform that aligns with our commitment to promoting students’ active engagement in learning for their academic success. The ideal solution will support our faculty in developing effective teaching strategies across traditional, hybrid, and online modalities while integrating seamlessly with our existing systems.

2.2 PROJECT OVERVIEW

A system is needed to substantially improve the efficiency of course delivery, curriculum design, productivity, student engagement, communication, administrative functions, and reporting. The University seeks a more intuitive system that simplifies faculty workflows and promotes active student learning and engagement. The over-arching goal is to effectively support TSU teaching and learning activities with an LMS interface that is user-centric, intuitive and makes efficient use of faculty and student time.

2.3 GENERAL PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Core Teaching and Learning Features

• Intuitive interface for both faculty and student

• Robust course creation and management tools

• Advanced assessment capabilities, including AI-assisted features

• Mobile-friendly design with dedicated apps for iOS and Android

• Integration with third-party educational tools and content providers

• Support for various content types (text, video, audio, interactive elements)

Analytics and Reporting

• Comprehensive analytics dashboard for administrators

• Detailed insights into student engagement and performance

• Customizable reports for tracking institutional goals

• AI-powered data analysis capabilities

Accessibility and Inclusivity

• Compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards

• Built-in accessibility checker for course content

• Support for diverse learning styles and needs

Integration and Scalability

• Seamless integration with existing university systems (Student Information

System, etc.)

• API access for custom integrations

• Scalable architecture to support growing enrollment

Professional Development and Support

• Comprehensive training resources for faculty and staff

• 24/7 technical support for all users

• Regular updates and feature enhancements

2.4 Adoptability

a. Provide a case study and reference for a similar institution documenting increased

LMS usage within one to two years of purchase.

b. LMS functions in a variety of classroom environments including traditional, blended, flipped, 1:1, and online/virtual.

c. LMS can be accessed by all stakeholders, including administrative staff, faculty, students, and advisors.

d. LMS is designed for learners of all ages (K-20 solution).

e. LMS can import existing content from current system.

f. LMS can integrate with external systems (e.g. student information system, authentication server, external course tools).

g. LMS provides online documentation for all users and roles.

h. LMS provides a way for faculty to share and copy resources.

i. LMS vendor should provide training to key institution staff either face to face or virtually

j. LMS supports custom theming to align with institutional branding.

k. LMS provides intuitive user creation within UI as well as SIS integration capabilities at no additional fee

2.5 Usability

a. The LMS user interface must be intuitive and easy to learn.

b. The LMS offers functions in a variety of classroom environments including traditional, blended, flipped, 1:1, and online/virtual.

c. The LMS must be usable from desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.

d. LMS must be WCAG 2.1 AA conformant and include functionality for keyboard-only and screen-read software.

e. The LMS should provide the ability to replicate activities that occur in the classroom, including creating/submitting assignments, quizzes, and discussions

(levels 1 and 2 of SAMR model).

f. LMS should provide ability to facilitate new activities which cannot take place in the classroom (levels 3 and 4 of the SAMR model).

g. The LMS should allow educators to create customized assignments for individual students, groups of students, or entire sections.

h. The LMS should allow pre-set course-level notifications and alerts that can be customized to support student success.

i. The LMS should allow teachers and students to continue to use current external teaching technology within the system, provide a way to discover and add new technology and support open APIs with consolidated, searchable API documentation to enable seamless integrations and customizations.

j. Courses in LMS should be able to provide invidualized learning opportunities and/or custom learning paths

k. The LMS should feature a drag-and-drop calendar with automated updates to reflect changes in due dates, assignments, and events seamlessly.

l. LMS should provide the ability for a user to have different roles in the system

(e.g. teacher in one course, student in another).

m. LMS should provide a similar, consistent interface for users requiring accessibility tools to access the system (e.g., no "accessibility mode").

n. LMS should include synchronous and asynchronous capabilities.

o. LMS should include internal and external communication or notification preferences.

2.6 Functionality

a. Provide a brief LMS overview document that outlines the core functionality and usage of your system.

b. LMS should be a cloud-based SaaS.

c. LMS supports open learning technology standards (e.g. LTI, QTI, Common

Cartridge, etc...).

d. LMS vendor provides a 99% uptime guarantee (excluding scheduled maintenance/upgrades).

e. LMS must comply with all relevant laws regarding student privacy and security.

f. LMS vendor must provide real-time and off-site data backups, with no impact on system performance.

g. LMS must function entirely over TLS/SSL.

h. LMS vendor should be a Student Privacy Pledge signatory.

i. LMS vendor should employ in-house support personnel.

j. LMS vendors should maintain a support SLA in the event that an issue arises.

k. LMS should have an active online or offline community of users to support professional development and PLNs.

l. LMS vendor should provide change management or similar services to transition from legacy LMS

2.7 Collaboration and Communication

a. Describe your collaboration and communication tools.

b. The discussion tool must automatically generate summaries of discussion threads, highlighting key topics, themes, and insights from student contributions.

c. The LMS must include an integrated, off-the-shelf video library management tool.

The tool must integrate natively with the LMS, allowing instructors to embed videos directly into courses, assignments, and announcements without requiring additional plugins or third-party applications.

d. The video library management tool must allow teachers to create and embed quizzes directly within video content, enabling interactive assessments during video playback.

e. Describe the LMS feedback mechanisms.

f. Describe how your tool engages with its user community.

2.6 Mobile Experience

Req 15. The platform should adopt a mobile-first design approach, ensuring course content, assessments, communication tools, and analytics, are optimized for mobile use. The app must support offline access, push notifications, and real-time updates, enabling users to engage with the LMS anytime, anywhere.

Req 16. The LMS must provide a fully functional, dedicated mobile app for iOS and

Android specific for teachers.

Req 17. The LMS must provide a fully functional, dedicated mobile app for iOS and

Android specific for students.

2.7 Grading

a. Gradebook that allows live sorting online without downloading reports.

b. Gradebook feature: One-click email to all who have or haven’t completed an assignment.

c. The LMS should support customizable rubric scoring with options to assign point values, weight assignment groups, and provide detailed, actionable feedback. It should also include the ability for teachers to offer audiovisual or screen-casting feedback, enabling more hands-on and personalized guidance to enhance student understanding and engagement.

d. LMS provides either traditional or competency/standards-based grading and gradebook.

2.8 Analytics and Reporting

Req 21. Your LMS must count on an off-the-shelf analytics engine as part of the standard offer.

Req 22. The analytics must show specific dashboards per role (admin, teacher, student).

Req 23. Describe how your analytics tool allows faculty to message students in the course based on certain criteria?

2.9 Course Migration

Req 24. Describe what services you provide to help transition from one LMS to another, making courses "ready to teach."

3.0 LMS Architecture

Req 25. The LMS must be a fully cloud-based, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution hosted on a reliable and scalable infrastructure.

Req 26. The LMS must include an elastic scalability mechanism to handle increasing user loads and resource demands seamlessly, ensuring optimal performance during peak usage periods. Also, the LMS must guarantee at least an annual 99.9% uptime.

4.0 Road Map

Req 27. Describe your product roadmap and main enhancements planned for 2025.

Req 28. Describe how you source product and feature ideas.

2.4 Quality Assurance:

The Contractor shall check links and content to confirm availability and expected outcome; confirm the course and course content will be appropriately displayed in multiple browsers; quality-check courses for spelling, typos, etc. Confirm the inclusion and expected behavior of content and additional media; loading and testing any digital media assets (learning objects) developed; and conduct quality assurance (QA) testing or additional QA testing as needed and appropriate.

2.5 Course Delivery Requirement

The Contractor shall deliver fully developed courses to TSU for our implementation and utilization. Each delivered course is considered a deliverable. A deliverable is defined as written evidence of completion of course’s services, including, without limitation, of

Quality Assurance functional testing. A course deliverable will be deemed to be accepted against the following criteria:

a.) Course is developed according to University-defined template b.) Assessment/Evaluation alignment implemented as provided by TSU

Faculty/(SME) c.) Exceptions are documented, and solutions identified and implemented accordingly d.) Course components are present and correctly displayed to the user e.) Images, if applicable, are included and correctly displayed to the user, inclusive of alternate tags and descriptions as provided by TSU SME. Links are functional.

2.6 Project Requirements

The Contractor must provide the following:

a.) Outline the proposed delivery process.

b.) An estimate of time commitment from faculty members during the course development.

c.) Be knowledgeable of Blackboard Learning Management System and its integrated components d.) Project management and coordination services e.) Outline the course development, content revision, and product acceptance process that utilizes a systematic and well-defined process f.) Outline quality assurance and product testing requirements and checklists.

PROJECT PLANNING SCHEDULE: The Owner anticipates completion of the following key Project planning schedule milestones:

EVENT DATE

Issue RFP / ESBD Posting Date February 17, 2025 Deadline for Submission of Questions February 24, 2025 Response to Questions Week of February 24th RFP Submission March 6, 2025

CRITERIA AND WEIGHT/VALUE:

Qualifications will be evaluated and ranked in accordance with the following criterion for each building:

Category Value

CRITERION 1: Letter of Interest 5

CRITERION 2: Qualifications and Experience in Higher Education 25

CRITERION 3: Methodology of the Process 25

CRITERION 4: Deliverables and Solutions 20

CRITERION 4: Fee Schedule/Cost Proposal 20

CRITERION 4: References 5

Total of Weighted Value 100

End of Section II

Section 3 - Requirements for Statement of Proposals

3.1 CRITERIA

Respondents are expected to submit a Proposal that considers and is responsive to the terms and conditions, specifications, scope of services, requirements, etc.; as well as the evaluation criteria set out in this document. The criteria in which your response will be evaluated are as follows:

Criterion 1 – Letter of Interest Criterion 2 – Qualifications and Experience of the Firm Criterion 3 – Methodology of the Process Criterion 4 – Deliverables and Solutions Criterion 5 – Fee Schedule/ Cost Proposal Criterion 6 – References

3.2 CRITERION 1: Letter of Interest

1. Provide a brief yet thorough description of your firm, including the total number of supporting personnel related to providing the services of the type and kind required in this RFO.

2. Provide firm’s overall ability in providing the services required in this solicitation.

3. Provide a detailed list of clients (beginning with colleges and universities) where your firm has provided services of the type, size and kind required in this RFO during the past five years, preferably in this climate zone. Please provide contact information for each entity, especially the email address of the correct person who can answer our reference check.

4. Provide resumes and bios of the Respondent’s Team that will be directly involved in the Project, including their experience with similar project(s). Include as applicable:

Project Managers, Superintendents, Quality Control Inspectors, Safety Coordinator and Labor Forman, etc.

5. Please show all national and/or professional certifications, memberships, awards, etc.

6. Provide the proposed Project assignments and lines of authority and communication for any Team member to be directly involved with the Project. Indicate the estimated percent of time these team members will be involved in the Structural Services.

Should be in both graphic and written form.

3.2 CRITERION 2: Qualifications and Experience of the Firm

1. Provide a brief yet thorough description of your firm, including the total number of supporting personnel related to providing the services of the type and kind required in this RFO.

2. Provide firm’s overall ability in providing the services required in this solicitation.

3. Provide a detailed list of clients (beginning with colleges and universities) where your firm has provided services of the type, size and kind required in this RFO during the past five years, preferably in this climate zone. Please provide contact information for each entity, especially the email address of the correct person who can answer our reference check.

4. Provide resumes and bios of the Respondent’s Team that will be directly involved in the Project, including their experience with similar project(s). Include as applicable:

Project Managers, Superintendents, Quality Control Inspectors, Safety Coordinator and Labor Forman, etc.

5. Please show all national and/or professional certifications, memberships, awards, etc.

6. Provide the proposed Project assignments and lines of authority and communication for any Team member to be directly involved with the Project. Indicate the estimated percent of time these team members will be involved in the Structural Services.

Should be in both graphic and written form.

3.3 CRITERION 3: Methodology of the Process

1. This section should describe and discuss your proposed approach and methodology in providing the processes of the type and kind required in the RFP. By reading the proposed approach and methodology overview, Texas Southern University must be able to gain a comfortable grasp and clear understanding of the level of approach to be provided and the methods proposed to provide them. A detailed explanation shall be included to understand how the methods comply with the requirements of this

RFO.

2. Capabilities and Capacity: Respondent shall clearly define its in-house capability and capacity to perform the work identified in the Scope of Work of this RFO. Your response must describe the various technologies, tools, methods, and technical expertise that you will provide to Texas Southern University and/or that will be used in the delivery of the scope and how that will be of benefit in the delivery of approach to Texas Southern University.

3.4 CRITERION 4: Deliverables and Solutions

1. Thoroughly address the deliverables you will provide upon completion of your work. Each item listed in the scope of work shall be addressed.

2. Please provide a thorough and detailed schedule of events, timelines, reporting dates, progress meetings, and completion date of deliverables

3. Describe the types of reports or other written documents that will be provided and the frequency of reporting. Proposer will include samples of reports and documents if appropriate.

4. Describe your quality assurance and testing plan, and dispute resolution management approach.

3.5 CRITERION 5: Fee Schedule/Cost Offer

The fee proposal shall be a detailed fee proposal as outlined below. Failure to provide a fee proposal that addresses each of the items listed below may result in disqualification from the RFO process.

• Please thoroughly address all costs associated with deliverables and solutions you propose.

• All costs should be detailed and itemized, as well as providing a “grand total” so that a score can be assigned. Includes any associated travel expenditures.

• All expected costs must be shown as you will not be able to bill the University for additional and/or hidden costs not directly addressed in your proposal response.

• Failure to provide a singular grand total when requested could be grounds for dismissal and/or disqualification of your response.

3.6 CRITERION 5: References

Provide a comprehensive list of ALL school projects completed or begun within the last 3 years, with contact information, along with a project description. Identify in the reference list which projects this team has performed collectively. The Owner reserves the right to check additional references beyond those provided in the submittal.

End of Section III

SECTION 4 - FORMAT FOR STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL

4.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

4.1.1 Proposals shall be prepared SIMPLY AND ECONOMICALLY, providing a straightforward, CONCISE description of the Offeror’s ability to meet the requirements of this RFP. Emphasis shall be on the QUALITY, completeness, clarity of content, responsiveness to the requirements, and an understanding of Owner’s needs.

4.1.2 Proposals shall be a MAXIMUM OF FIFTY (50) PRINTED PAGES. Also, all information submitted must be placed on a flash capable of hold all information.

No password, encrypted flash drives. The cover, table of contents, divider sheets, HUB Subcontracting Plan, and Execution of Offer do not count as printed pages. Each bound copy must be in the following order:

• Cover;

• Cover Letter;

• Table of Contents;

• Criteria One: Letter of Interest

• Criteria Two: Qualifications and Experience of the Firm

• Criteria Three: Methodology of the Process

• Criteria Four: Deliverables and Solutions

• Criteria Five: Fee Schedule / Cost Offer

• Criteria Six: References

• Execution of Proposal

• Form 1295 Interested Parties

• HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP)

4.1.3 Hub Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Submittal Requirements: It is the policy of Texas Southern University to promote and encourage contracting and subcontracting opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) in all contracts.

Accordingly, the Owner has adopted HSP, Refer to website for link to Policy on Utilization of Historically Underutilized Businesses at:

http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/hub-subcontracting-plan/.

4.1.3.1 HUB Achievement Form

4.1.3.2 NOTE: The HUB Policy applies to all contracts with an expected value of $100,000 or more and the HUB Subcontracting Plan is a required element of this request for proposal. Failure to submit a required HUB Subcontracting Plan will result in the disqualification of your RFP response.

** A State of Texas HUB plan is required for this solicitation.

4.1.4 Offerors shall carefully read the information contained in this RFP and submit a complete response to all requirements and questions as directed.

http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/hub-subcontracting-plan/

4.1.5 Qualifications and any other information submitted by offerors in response to this RFO shall become the property of the Owner.

4.1.6 Qualifications that are qualified with conditional clauses, alterations, items not called for in the RFO documents, or irregularities of any kind are subject to rejection by the Owner, at its option.

4.1.7 The Owner makes no representations of any kind that an award will be made as a result of this RFO. The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals, waive any formalities or minor technical inconsistencies, or delete any item/requirements from this RFP when deemed to be in Owner’s best interest.

4.1.8 Qualifications shall consist of answers to questions identified in Section 3 of the RFO. It is not necessary to repeat the question in the Proposals;

however, it is essential to reference the question number with the corresponding answer. Separate each section of your proposal by use of a divider sheet with an integral tab for ready reference. Identify the tabs in accordance with the parts under Section, which is to be consistent with the Table of Contents. TAB IDENTIFICATION BY NUMBERS ONLY IS NOT

ACCEPTABLE.

4.1.9 Failure to comply with all requirements contained in this RFO may result in the rejection of the Offers.

4.2 PAGE SIZE, BINDING, DIVIDERS, AND TABS:

4.2.1 Proposals shall be printed on letter-size (8-1/2” x 11”) paper and assembled with spiral-type bindings or staples. DO NOT USE METAL-RING HARD

COVER BINDERS.

4.2.2 Additional attachments shall NOT be included with the Proposals. Only the responses provided by the Offeror to the questions identified in Section 3 of this RFP will be used by the Owner for evaluation.

4.2.3 Separate and identify each criteria response to Section 3 of this RFO by use of a divider sheet with an integral tab for ready reference.

4.3. TABLE OF CONTENTS:

4.3.1 Submittals shall include a “Table of Contents” and give page numbers for each part the Proposals.

4.4 PAGINATION:

4.4.1 Number all pages of the submittal sequentially using Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.); the Offeror is not required to number the pages of the HUB Subcontracting Plan.

4.4.2 TSU will not consider any Proposal that bears a copyright. Proposals will be subject to the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), Tex. Government Code, Chapter 552, and may be disclosed to the public upon request. The Proposal and other submitted information shall be presumed to be subject to disclosure unless a specific exception to disclosure under the PIA applies. If it is necessary for the Respondent to include proprietary or otherwise confidential information in its Proposal or other submitted information, the Respondent must clearly label that proprietary or confidential information and identify the specific exception to disclosure in the PIA. Merely making a blanket claim the entire Proposal is protected from disclosure because it contains some proprietary information is not acceptable and shall make the entire Proposal subject to release under the PIA. In order to initiate the process of seeking an Attorney General opinion on the release of proprietary or confidential information, the specific provisions of the Proposal that are considered by the Respondent to be proprietary or confidential must be clearly labeled as described below. Any information which is not clearly identified as proprietary or confidential shall be deemed to be subject to disclosure pursuant to the PIA. Subject to the Act, Respondents may protect trade and confidential information from public release. Trade secrets or other confidential information, submitted as part of a Proposal, shall be clearly marked at each page it appears. Such marking shall be in boldface type in at least 14-point font.

End of Section IV

SECTION 5 – EXECUTION OF PROPOSAL AND ATTACHMENTS

5.1 EXECUTION OF PROPOSAL:

EXHIBIT A

EXECUTION OF OFFER

NOTE: THIS EXHIBIT MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED WITH THE

PROPOSAL. PROPOSALS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE THIS EXHIBIT WILL

BE DISQUALIFIED. THE PROPOSAL SHALL BE VOID IF FALSE

STATEMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS EXHIBIT.

By signature hereon, Respondent certifies that:

All statements and information prepared and submitted in the response to this RFP are current, complete, and accurate.

Respondent has not given, offered to give, nor intends to give at any time hereafter, any economic opportunity, future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, special discount, trip, favor, or service to a public servant in connection with the submitted response.

Neither Respondent nor the corporation, partnership, or institution represented by

Respondent or anyone acting for such respondent, corporation, or institution has (1) violated the antitrust laws of the State of Texas under Texas Business & Commerce

Code, Chapter 15, or the federal antitrust laws; or (2) communicated the contents of this Proposal either directly or indirectly to any competitor or any other person engaged in the same line of business during the procurement process for this RFP.

When a Texas business address shown hereon that address is, in fact, the legal business address of Respondent and Respondent qualifies as a Texas Resident Bidder under 1

TAC § 111.2.

Under Government Code § 2155.004, no person who prepared the specifications or this RFP has any financial interest in Respondent’s Proposal. If Respondent is not eligible, then any contract resulting from this RFP shall be immediately terminated.

Furthermore, “under Section 2155.004, Government Code, the vendor [Respondent] certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Proposal or contract is not ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that this contract May be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.”

Under Family Code § 231.006, relating to child support obligations, Respondent and any other individual or business entity named in this solicitation are eligible to receive the specified payment and acknowledge that this contract May be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.

Any Proposal submitted under this RFP shall contain the names and social security numbers of person or entity holding at least a twenty-five percent (25%) ownership interest in the business entity submitting the Proposal.

Name:

Social Security Number:

Under Government Code § 669.003, relating to contracting with an executive of a state agency, Respondent represents that no person who, in the past four years, served as an executive of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Southern

University or any other state agency, was involved with or has any interest in this

Proposal or any contract resulting from this RFP. If Respondent employs or has used the services of a former executive head of Texas Southern University or other state agency, then Respondent shall provide the following information: Name of former executive, name of state agency, date of separation from state agency, position with

Respondent, and date of employment with Respondent.

Respondent agrees that any payments due under this contract will be applied towards any debt, including but not limited to delinquent taxes and child support that is owed to the State of Texas.

Texas Southern University is federally mandated to adhere to the directions provided in the

President’s Executive Order (EO) 13224, Executive Order on Terrorist Financing – Blocking

Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or

Support Terrorism, effective 9/24/2001 and any subsequent changes made to it via cross-referencing respondents/vendors with the Federal General Services Administration’s System for

Award Management (SAM), https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ , which is inclusive of the United

States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated National

(SDN) list.

Respondent certifies that the responding entity and its principals are eligible to participate in this transaction and have not been subjected to suspension, debarment, or similar ineligibility determined by any federal, state or local governmental entity and that Respondent is in compliance with the State of Texas statutes and rules relating to procurement and that Respondent is not listed on the federal https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ government's terrorism watch list as described in Executive Order 13224. Entities ineligible for federal procurement are listed at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

Under Section 2155.006(b) of the Texas Government Code, a state agency May not accept a Proposal or award a contract, including a contract for which purchasing authority is delegated to a state agency, that includes proposed financial participation by a person who, during the five- year period preceding the date of the Proposal or award, has been:

(1) convicted of violating a federal law in connection with a contract awarded by the federal government for relief, recovery, or reconstruction efforts as a result of Hurricane Rita, as defined by Section 39.459, Utilities Code, Hurricane

Katrina, or any other disaster occurring after September 24, 2005; or

(2) assessed a penalty in a federal civil or administrative enforcement action in connection with a contract awarded by the federal government for relief, recovery, or reconstruction efforts as a result of Hurricane Rita, as defined by

Section 39.459, Utilities Code, Hurricane Katrina, or any other disaster occurring after September 24, 2005. Under Section 2155.006 of the Texas

Government Code, the respondent certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Proposal is not ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that any contract resulting from this RFO May be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.

Pursuant to Section 2262.003 of the Texas Government Code, the state auditor May conduct an audit or investigation of the vendor or any other entity or person receiving funds from the state directly under this contract or indirectly through a subcontract under this contract. The acceptance of funds by the Respondent or any other entity or person directly under this contract or indirectly through a subcontract under this contract acts as acceptance of the authority of the state auditor, under the direction of the legislative audit committee, to conduct an audit or investigation in connection with those funds. Under the direction of the legislative audit committee, the

Respondent or other entity that is the subject of an audit or investigation by the state auditor must provide the state auditor with access to any information the state auditor considers relevant to the investigation or audit. Respondent will ensure that this clause concerning the authority to audit funds received indirectly by subcontractors through the vendor and the requirement to cooperate is included in any subcontract it awards.

ANTI-BOYCOTT ISRAEL VERIFICATION

The Respondent represents that, to the extent this Solicitation constitutes a contract for goods or services within the meaning of Section 2270.002 of the Texas

Government Code, as amended, solely for purposes of compliance with Chapter 2270 of the Texas Government Code, and subject to applicable Federal law, Respondent (1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during…