Software Implementation-Slate

Black Hills State University (BHSU) in South Dakota is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a comprehensive software implementation project transitioning from Salesforce and TargetX by Liaison to Slate CRM by Technolutions. The procurement seeks a Slate Implementation Partner with significant higher education CRM implementation experience to execute a complex system migration with a tentative implementation deadline of May 1, 2026. Key project deliverables include migrating five years of application data, configuring application groups for undergraduate and graduate domestic and international students, building various application types, implementing security and access controls, and integrating with campus systems like SSO, StarRez, and Banner. Vendor requirements include Slate Implementation Partner certification, provision of three references from similar-sized higher education institutions, and commitment to a consistent project team without subcontractors. The proposal submission deadline is November 4, 2025, at 12pm Mountain Time, with an anticipated award decision and contract negotiation on November 10, 2025. Evaluation will involve separate technical and cost proposal assessments, with the State reserving the right to negotiate terms and select the most advantageous offer.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The current incumbent systems include Salesforce and TargetX by Liaison, which will require complete migration to the new Slate CRM platform. The implementation will support multiple application groups, including domestic and international undergraduate and graduate programs, pre-professional applications, and non-degree seeking students. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the comprehensive nature of the project suggests a significant investment in technology transformation, data migration, system configuration, integration, reporting, and training. The vendor will be responsible for developing marketing communication plans, workflows, and providing comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout the implementation process. The project's scope indicates a robust and complex technological transition requiring substantial vendor expertise in higher education customer relationship management systems.