Educator Licensure System (ELS) Replacement

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is seeking a comprehensive Educator Licensure System (ELS) vendor through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on 3/31/2025, with responses due by 4/25/2025 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. The procurement aims to replace the current TEACH system with a web-based solution that facilitates online licensure and certification processes for educators statewide. Key deliverables include implementing a system that supports online application processing, renewals, background checks, and integration with external agencies while ensuring data migration and cybersecurity compliance. The vendor must demonstrate expertise in government licensing systems, provide ongoing support and maintenance, offer user training, and ensure system scalability. Critical requirements include maintaining operational efficiency, preserving data integrity, and complying with state and federal regulations such as FERPA. The contract term is initially one year with options to renew for four additional one-year periods, and the solicitation emphasizes a seamless transition from the existing system.

The RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The current system is hosted in a secure cloud-based environment and integrates with fingerprinting services and payment processing platforms, which the new vendor will need to maintain or improve. While specific budget details are not provided in the available documents, the cost sheet (NDERFP250312 - TEACH Cost Sheet.xlsx) includes placeholders for project categories such as Project Planning and Management, Gap Analysis, Operations and Support Documentation, Training, Warranty and Maintenance Support, and Server Hosting, though all current line items show $0.00. The State reserves the right to review all cost aspects for reasonableness and notes that the contract is non-exclusive, meaning they can potentially contract with multiple vendors for similar services. The procurement indicates a comprehensive approach to modernizing the state's educator licensure technology infrastructure with a focus on comprehensive system capabilities and operational flexibility.