Request for Proposals - Degree Verification Service

The State of Oregon's Department of Human Services (ODHS) is conducting a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Degree Verification Services under solicitation number S-10000-00015195, seeking a qualified provider to verify academic credentials for job applicants. The primary objective is to obtain a contractor capable of verifying degrees, diplomas, and certificates from accredited institutions, with an estimated monthly volume of approximately 100 inquiries. Key deliverables include producing degree verification reports (DVRs) within one business day, delivering results through a secure online portal or electronic communication method, and submitting monthly reporting detailing verification status and results. The technical evaluation will assess seven critical criteria: verification process methodology, secure communication systems, data privacy measures, accuracy certification processes, response time, academic institution relationships, and government experience. Proposals are due on January 5, 2026, with a pre-proposal conference scheduled for December 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM, and questions/clarifications due by December 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM. The initial contract term is two years with potential renewals up to a maximum of five years, and ODHS anticipates awarding a single contract with a maximum of 75 total evaluation points.

The RFP encourages participation from certified small businesses, including disadvantaged (DBE), minority-owned (MBE), woman-owned (WBE), service-disabled veteran-owned (SDV), and emerging small businesses (ESB). Proposers must complete a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan, documenting their certification status and potential subcontracting opportunities with certified firms. While the outreach plan is non-scored, it serves as a compliance mechanism to ensure equitable participation. Proposers must demonstrate organizational responsibility through comprehensive documentation, including financial resources, contract completion history, legal standing, and possession of required licenses and insurance. The price evaluation will be scored on a percentage basis compared to the lowest proposer cost, with a maximum of 10 points available. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, proposers are required to submit an all-inclusive per-request cost for degree verification services. The State of Oregon reserves the right to reject any proposals or cancel the solicitation if deemed in the best interest of the state, with all submitted proposals becoming property of ODHS and subject to Oregon Public Records Law.