Provide Services to Administer a Certified Nurse Aide Knowledge Exam

The South Dakota Board of Nursing has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a vendor to develop and administer a comprehensive Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) knowledge examination. The procurement aims to support the Board's responsibility for training, examination, and registration of nurse aides in the state. The selected vendor will be responsible for designing and delivering an online knowledge exam, including creating test questions, performing psychometric evaluations, coordinating exam administration, training proctors, scoring exams, and reporting results to the Board. Proposal evaluations will be based on technical expertise, past performance, resources, project management techniques, and ability to meet specific requirements. The RFP was published on October 6, 2025, with proposals due on November 7, 2025, and an anticipated contract award on December 2, 2025. The initial contract is set to begin January 2, 2026, with potential annual renewals through June 1 for up to eight years. Vendors must submit detailed cost proposals for online written and oral exams, as well as proctor training, with inquiries accepted via email to Linda.Young@state.sd.us using the subject line "RFP # 26-0920600-006".

The RFP does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. The procurement appears open to qualified vendors with expertise in developing and administering professional certification examinations, particularly in the healthcare training sector. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and negotiate with the highest-ranked offeror to refine the scope of services and contract terms. The evaluation process is described as subjective, focusing on the vendor's capabilities, technical competence, and qualifications to meet the Board's requirements. Though specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract involves comprehensive exam development, administration, and reporting services for nurse aide candidates. The potential eight-year renewal structure suggests a significant long-term engagement with potential substantial cumulative value. Vendors should be prepared to demonstrate comprehensive capabilities in test development, online examination platforms, psychometric analysis, and professional certification testing methodologies.