9210-26-R-RFIN-00005

Alcorn State University is seeking to procure Campus ESP, a parent and family engagement platform, through a sole source procurement process. The university has identified this specific solution as the only commercially available platform that comprehensively integrates portal access, content management, analytics, and email features for postsecondary institutions. The procurement aims to provide parents and families with centralized, personalized access to campus content, important dates, and updates that support student success and institutional engagement. The sole source notice was published on January 9, 2026, with a second publication on January 16, 2026, and potential vendors or competitors have until January 29, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. CST to submit written objections to the sole source designation. Objections must be submitted to Mertha George, Purchasing Agent, via email at mgeorge@alcorn.edu with the subject line "Sole Source Objection" and must include detailed explanations and supporting documentation demonstrating alternative vendor capabilities.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations were mentioned in the procurement documentation. The estimated annual cost for the Campus ESP platform is $37,796, representing a relatively modest investment for a comprehensive engagement solution. The university conducted outreach to state partners to verify the platform's unique positioning and found no comparable alternatives. If any submitted objection is deemed valid, Alcorn State University will withdraw the sole source notice and proceed with a competitive bid process; conversely, if the sole source claim is upheld, parties may appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board. The primary objectives of this procurement include reducing administrative workload, improving student retention and graduation rates, and providing analytics to track family engagement effectiveness. The platform represents a strategic technology investment aimed at enhancing communication and support mechanisms between the university, students, and their families.