Communications Management System

Appalachian State University is requesting proposals for a multi-channel communications management system serving as the university's enterprise platform under RFP 55-091826, with proposals due October 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET and written questions due October 6, 2026. All vendors must register with the State of North Carolina Electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) and be in good standing.

The system must consolidate current email management platforms and support multi-channel communications including email, SMS texting, and digital signage with unlimited campus users and unlimited sub-accounts. The platform must serve approximately 25,000 internal contacts (students, faculty, and staff) and approximately 225,000 external contacts with expected 10–15% annual growth. Vendors must provide at least three customer references demonstrating experience with the exact service model offered, preferably with higher education or UNC System experience.

The initial contract term is three years with options to renew for three additional one-year terms. The pricing proposal must be submitted as a complete package of services with no a la carte pricing; pricing should be based on email sends rather than contacts if applicable. Contract award is expected before the end of 2026.

Evaluation criteria prioritize vendor qualifications and reliability, vendor experience and reliability, vendor response time, and pricing using a best value methodology that allows trade-offs between technical merit and price. Required attachments include financial proposal, HUB supplemental vendor information, customer reference forms, location of workers utilized, and certification of financial condition.