Advise Tx Hybrid Program: College Advising GRACE Services and Case Management

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is soliciting proposals for maintenance and support services for the Advise TX Hybrid Program's Aribot chatbot and GRACE custom web app, which provide college advising to high school students across Texas, under RFP 781-7-CB-35, with proposals due September 25, 2026 at 11:30 p.m. Central Time.

Respondents must demonstrate three years' experience providing similar services and three years collaborating with higher education institutions and state agencies. THECB is not requiring HUB or VetHUB subcontracting plans, as subcontracting opportunities are not probable. Conflict of interest disclosure is mandatory; respondents determined to have a conflict are ineligible for award. Individuals employed by THECB within the past twelve months are prohibited from participating; those employed between twelve and twenty-four months prior must disclose prior employment details. Failure to submit a conflict of interest statement or affirmation of no conflicts results in automatic disqualification.

The contract runs from November 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, with THECB holding options to renew for up to two additional one-year terms and to extend for up to twelve months for transition at current rates. Proposals will be evaluated on price (20%), strength of response to scope of work (50%), and experience and qualifications (30%).

Respondents must submit pricing using a detailed cost breakdown format covering all services, personnel, license fees, and maintenance costs structured by deliverables and milestones across multiple years. THECB reserves the right to award multiple contracts and to conduct demonstrations or oral presentations with selected respondents at no cost to THECB. The contract template establishes THECB's maximum liability as a dollar amount to be specified in the final agreement, workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance at minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence, and FERPA compliance. All work product becomes THECB's sole property upon payment. Questions are due September 15, 2026. Proposals must be submitted through THECB's Vendor Client Gateway with an Excel pricing spreadsheet, two PDF documents, conflict of interest disclosures, execution of proposal form, and transmittal letter.