AI ChatBOT

The University of North Dakota is soliciting proposals under RFP 374-2025 for the implementation of an AI ChatBot system designed to provide 24/7 student support, improve recruitment and retention, and reduce administrative burdens. The required solution must support natural language processing, real-time responses, and automated escalation across SMS, web chat, and telephony channels for approximately 15,000 users. Technical requirements include intent matching, entity recognition, and integration with existing university platforms, with a strict mandate for remote deployment. The system must comply with Revised Section 508 Standards, the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit, and all applicable federal and state data privacy laws. This is a Firm Fixed Price with Adjustment contract, where awards are determined via a trade-off process rather than the lowest price. Evaluation is heavily weighted toward the technical proposal at 80 percent, with cost accounting for the remaining 20 percent. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Jaggare Sourcing Portal in two separate volumes: a technical proposal and a cost proposal. Key administrative requirements include mandatory registration with the North Dakota Secretary of State, proof of insurance, and potential criminal history record checks for all assigned personnel. The University prohibits advanced payments and cannot provide indemnification to the contractor. All inquiries and submissions are managed by Procurement Officer Samuel Larson.