NOI - mhec-04152022

The North Dakota University System (NDUS), acting through North Dakota State University, has issued a Notice of Intent to participate in a cooperative purchase contract (MHEC-04152022) with the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. The contract, effective from April 15, 2022, to June 30, 2029, will provide NDUS institutions comprehensive access to Dell-branded end-user computing solutions, including peripherals, device lifecycle management, professional services, APEX "as a service," flex on demand services, and managed services. This procurement was awarded through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, offering direct and indirect financing options with consumption-based purchasing capabilities. Interested parties can obtain quotes directly from Dell representatives or authorized resellers, with participation being entirely voluntary and without mandated volume requirements. The contract's legal basis is established under SBHE Procedure 803.1(5), which permits higher education institutions to join approved cooperative purchase agreements. The submission deadline for this opportunity is September 3, 2025, with interested parties able to contact Casie Ewalt, Procurement Officer, at casie.ewalt@ndsu.edu or 701-231-9599 for specific inquiries.

The cooperative purchase agreement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Pricing will be structured based on discount category pricing outlined in Exhibit A of the contract documentation. While no specific budget ranges are detailed, the contract appears designed to provide flexible purchasing options for NDUS institutions across various computing and technology needs. Dell Technologies is the primary vendor for this cooperative contract, offering comprehensive technology solutions with multiple service and financing models. The contract's broad scope suggests potential significant value for participating institutions, enabling them to access a wide range of computing technologies and services through a pre-negotiated agreement. The voluntary nature of the contract allows individual NDUS institutions to leverage the pricing and services as needed, without mandatory participation or volume commitments. Integration capabilities seem robust, with options for professional services and managed device lifecycle solutions that can adapt to varying institutional technology infrastructures.