ISAC - Text Messaging Service

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is procuring a comprehensive text messaging platform service through BidBuy# 26-691ISAC-COLAC-R-308535. The solicitation seeks a vendor to provide a robust text messaging platform capable of supporting unlimited SMS/MMS messages up to 20,000 contacts per month, accommodating five or more active programs under a single account, and serving unlimited users with unlimited data storage. Key deliverables and requirements include a dedicated implementation manager, custom platform configuration, technical support for data integrations, single sign-on capability, and comprehensive user training. The platform must support one-to-one and two-way messaging, bulk text messaging with scheduling and triggering capabilities, contact management tools, and virtual advisor chatbot functionality with AI integration. Service features must include an analytics dashboard, the ability to export and import contacts in bulk using CSV format, monthly standard message exports, assigned user roles and permissions, and mobile carrier and messaging compliance. Implementation requirements mandate FedRAMP compliance or government cloud access meeting NIST 800-53 controls or equivalent standards. Standard deliverables include a dedicated account manager, email and phone support, semi-annual utilization and success meetings, and completion of content modification and data update requests within 72 hours. The solicitation was posted on March 20, 2026, with a proposal due date of March 26, 2026. ISAC prefers to maintain ownership of phone numbers, and the vendor must provide user and administrator training along with webinars designed to increase student engagement.

The State of Illinois Standard Terms and Conditions (Version 23.2) govern this procurement and require vendors to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, maintain certificates of insurance, and submit invoices by July 31 for services provided through June 30 of each year. All vendors and subcontractors must execute mandatory certifications as a condition of contract award, including verification of non-delinquency on educational loans, absence of pension-related conflicts, proper legal entity registration, collective bargaining obligations, criminal history disclosures, drug-free workplace compliance, Illinois Use Tax remittance, environmental law compliance, equal employment opportunity adherence, and Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act compliance. For contracts exceeding one year in duration, contractors and subcontractors must provide annual recertification by January 1 of each subsequent fiscal year. The state retains sole ownership of all work product and intellectual property created under the contract, and the contract may be terminated for cause with immediate notice or for convenience with thirty days' written notice. No incumbent vendor information, set-aside designations, or specific contract award values are identified in the available documentation. False certifications expose vendors to significant penalties including contract voidance, suspension, debarment, denial of payment, civil fines, and criminal liability under the Illinois False Claims Act.