TEXT MESSAGING SYSTEM

Coastal Carolina University, through the State Fiscal Accountability Authority, is procuring a comprehensive cloud-based text messaging system for campus-wide communication purposes. The solicitation (Number 5400020069) seeks a platform capable of mass text communications with extensive functionality, including data imports via SQL or CSV/Excel, Active Directory Single Sign-On, multi-administrative levels, unlimited contact storage, and two-way texting capabilities. Key system requirements include supporting approximately 60,000 monthly text messages, integration with existing campus systems like Ellucian Colleague and Radius by Campus Management, and robust features such as recurring notifications, message analytics, templates, and mobile app capabilities. The procurement process includes a pre-proposal teleconference held on August 26, 2020, with questions due by 4:00 PM that same day, and proposal submissions required by September 18, 2020, at 11:00 AM via online bidding at http://www.procurement.sc.gov. Evaluation criteria encompass technical capabilities, operational procedures, maintenance schedules, security strategies, and comprehensive compliance with data protection requirements, including FERPA compliance and encryption standards.

The contract is structured with an initial one-year term and four potential one-year renewals, creating a maximum five-year contract period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2026. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the documentation. Vendors must demonstrate substantial technical capabilities, including compliance with information security standards, and provide a detailed pricing matrix covering administrative user costs, student texting, and support expenses. Insurance requirements are stringent, mandating a minimum of five million dollars per occurrence and ten million dollars aggregate coverage for information security and privacy risks. The system must ensure all data is housed within the continental United States, with comprehensive indemnification obligations for third-party claims and intellectual property protections. While no incumbent vendor was identified, the contract emphasizes collaborative implementation with the University's Information Technology Services department and requires thorough integration with existing campus management systems.