ESBD_497211_1774980305682_Addendum 1, Q&A.pdf

Procurement Services - Purchasing

Addendum 1

Questions & Answers

RFP # 717-26-736

Digital Accessibility Training & Compliance Coordinator

Question 1: The Critical Path Sprint deadline: The scope calls for the selected consultant to plan, launch, and operate the Critical Path Sprint through April 24, 2026, as well as deliver an interim report. Given the April 6 proposal deadline and the time needed for contract execution, does TSU anticipate extending the sprint timeline or re-scoping the activities? Has any work already taken place towards this deadline?

Answer 1: Yes, We will extend the sprint timeline. We also have an ad out for an Accessibility

Compliance Officer (ACO). TSU has already convened an Accessibility Compliance Task Force, which is developing the initial policies that the trainer and the Accessibility Compliance Officer

(ACO) will refine. Faculty have begun the CANVAS accessibility compliance training modules, and their completion rate is being tracked. Web content creators are being trained in

Accessibility Compliance and the OIT office has already started monitoring the website for accessibility issues. There is also an ad for an Accessibility Compliance trainer to work with faculty and staff until an ACO is named.

Question 2: Current state of TSU's accessibility program. What is TSU's current WCAG compliance baseline? Have any prior audits been conducted? Does TSU have existing policies, a steering committee, or an accessibility coordinator already in place?

Answer 2: We do have baseline compliance, and prior audits have taken place. The website is being monitored, and a contract is in progress with a company to help maintain website compliance. The Taskforce has drafted an initial policy that should go live within the next 2-3 weeks, prior to the deadline. An Accessibility Compliance awareness campaign is also in the works. TSU has ADA coordinators and the Student Accessibility and Support Office (SASO)

(https://tsu.edu/student-services/departments/disability-services/index.php) that provides testing accommodations and other services, as well as a consultant firm that currently handles compliance.

https://tsu.edu/student-services/departments/disability-services/index.php

Question 3: Single consultant vs. team. The title of the RFQ mentions a "Digital Accessibility

Coordinator," while the RFQ itself describes a wide scope of work. Does TSU anticipate collaborating with a single individual, a small team, or a larger consulting firm? Do you have a maximum or minimum staffing level in mind?

Answer 3: The final level of organization is to be determined; however, the Coordinator would work with the accessibility task force and SASO

Question 4: On-site expectations. The RFQ lists the place of performance as "hybrid: on-site sessions in Houston and remote services, as mutually agreed." Could all work take place remotely, or does TSU have some activities that need to be on-site? Approximately how many on-site days per month does TSU anticipate? Will TSU cover travel costs, or should vendors include potential travel in their pricing?

Answer 4: This is a hybrid position with on-site and remote interactions to be agreed upon prior to onboarding. Vendors/Applicants should include travel costs in their pricing.

Question 5: Budget range. The RFQ does not state an anticipated budget or not-to-exceed amount. What is TSU's anticipated budget or not-to-exceed amount for this contract? This will help vendors scope responses appropriately.

Answer 5: The expectation is that the cost would not exceed $100,000 as an upper limit.

Question 6: Cost evaluation. The evaluation criteria are Criterion 1: Experience of the Firm or

Person (50%) and Criterion 2: Qualifications of Personnel (50%), with no explicit cost criterion listed. How will TSU rank pricing in the best value determination? Should vendors submit costs as a separate exhibit?

Answer 6: No, pricing is not a criteria in an RFQ and is not to be addressed in this solicitation.

Question 7: Page limits. The required format calls for an Introduction Letter (2-page maximum), Table of Contents, and Tabs 1–5, but does not specify page limits for Tabs 1 or 2.

Does TSU have page limits for the main qualification content tabs?

Answer 7: The main qualification limit is 10 pages.

Question 8: Incumbent vendor. Is there a current vendor or contractor providing digital accessibility services to TSU? If so, will there be a transition period, and is the incumbent eligible to bid?

Answer 8: Yes, we do have both an on-site office (SASO) and a current vendor on contract who is eligible to bid.

Question 9: Number of digital assets in scope. How many web domains, applications, and digital systems will TSU include in scope for auditing and remediation support? The RFQ references "priority domains and key workflows (e.g., apply, register, pay)"--can TSU provide a more specific inventory or count of systems?

Answer 9: Yes, there is a primary university website, several ancillary unit websites, and digital documents in the SharePoint and operations ecosystem.

Question 10: Scope prioritization. The deliverables span governance, training, web audits, VPAT/ACR programs, EEAAPs, communications, and maturity modeling. Does TSU have a priority ranking among these work areas?

Answer 10: Training, High Trafficked Websites and student services related content are the first priorities.

*Vendors, please sign this Addendum and include it in your response. Your signature will signify your acknowledgement / receipt of this addendum only

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