Open Educational Resources (OER) Nursing Expansion

This Request for Proposals (RFP No. 781-6-04389) is issued by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) for the development of Open Educational Resources (OER) nursing textbooks and supplementary materials. THECB seeks one or more vendors to develop two additional OER nursing textbooks—Pathophysiology and Pediatric Nursing/Infant and Child Health Nursing—along with ancillary materials and interactive test preparation resources to support nursing students preparing for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. This project builds on the prior O.N.E. Project, which generated approximately $400,000 in savings for nearly 3,800 nursing students across Texas institutions and has been adopted by more than 100 institutions nationwide impacting approximately 8,500 students. Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years' experience in OER management and publishing, possess knowledge of Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) accessibility compliance including WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, and provide documentation of accessibility capabilities through Policy Driven Adoption for Accessibility (PDAA) or Vendor Accessibility Development Services Information Request (VADSIR). Proposals will be evaluated using a 100-point scale weighted across Price (20%), Strength of Response to Scope of Work (40%), and Experience and Qualifications (40%), with deliverables including scoping and planning phases for both textbooks, completed and published textbooks with ancillary materials, test preparation materials development and delivery, announcements, a one-day adoption event, and adoption workshops. The RFP was posted January 9, 2026, with a written questions deadline of January 16, 2026, by 11:30 p.m. CT, and a proposal due date of February 9, 2026, by 11:30 p.m. CT; the anticipated contract start date is upon execution, with an initial term ending August 31, 2027, and an option for renewal for up to one additional year or until project completion.

There are no HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) subcontracting opportunities identified for this procurement, eliminating formal subcontracting plan requirements with minority and women-owned business participation goals. Respondents must comply with conflict of interest disclosure requirements, including restrictions on entities employing individuals who worked for THECB within the past twelve months (ineligible) or between twelve and twenty-four months prior (requiring disclosure), and must complete the Certificate of Interested Parties Form 1295 and Execution of Proposal form as mandatory submissions. THECB reserves the right to award multiple contracts and will determine best value based on demonstrated competence, qualifications, and negotiated fair and reasonable pricing. Payment will be made upon receipt of properly submitted invoices after goods and services have been received and deliverables approved by THECB in accordance with Texas Prompt Payment Laws, though the specific contract value or budget range is not disclosed in the RFP documentation. Contractors must maintain workers' compensation insurance at statutory limits, commercial general liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence with $2,000,000 aggregate, and automobile liability of $500,000 combined single limit. Funding for the project beyond the initial term is not guaranteed and is subject to legislative appropriation.