RFP - IT Software (Saas) Diversity Management Software for the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity

Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity is seeking a comprehensive Diversity Management Software (DMS) platform through a Request for Proposal (RFP). The software must provide an integrated solution for managing contract compliance across multiple areas, including Minorities and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Veteran-Owned Business (VOB), labor compliance, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 3 compliance, vendor outreach, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety compliance. Key deliverables include a secure, cloud-based platform capable of handling up to $5 billion in construction value, with robust features such as comprehensive reporting, Power BI integration, mobile inspection tools, and extensive training options. The software must support multiple compliance teams and offer advanced functionalities like prevailing wage tracking, Davis-Bacon compliance, and OSHA certification tracking. Evaluation criteria will weight technical functionality at 35%, system integration at 20%, reporting and analytics at 15%, fee schedule at 15%, vendor experience at 10%, and training and support at 5%. The proposal is due on November 24, 2025, with an expected implementation timeline of 30 calendar days and a subsequent 30-day stabilization period.

The procurement encourages participation from diverse businesses, with specific emphasis on MWBE, DBE, and SBE vendors. Contractors must comply with Harris County's Minimum Wage Policy, which establishes a $21.65 per hour wage floor for workers performing contract services. The county requires comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including compliance with the Harris County Cybersecurity Reference Architecture and Minimum Information Technology Security Vendor Controls List. Vendors must provide detailed documentation including SOC2 Type 2 Reports, penetration testing reports, and third-party certifications. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the system's capability to handle $5 billion in construction value suggests a significant potential contract value. The contract includes four potential one-year renewal options, subject to approval by the Harris County Commissioners Court. Vendors must also adhere to strict insurance requirements, including comprehensive liability coverage, and demonstrate compliance with the county's Responsible Use Artificial Intelligence Policy.