Development of Accessible and Engaging Canvas Course Designs

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is seeking to develop accessible and engaging courses within the Canvas learning management system, emphasizing the importance of visually appealing and user-friendly designs that support all learners in achieving course outcomes. The contract, valued between $50,000 and $150,000, involves the procurement of instructional design and accessibility tools, specifically focusing on the use of DesignPlus and UDOIT, which are integral to ensuring courses meet ADA compliance standards. The project aims to enhance course quality through tools that facilitate the creation of accessible content, leveraging functionalities provided by Cidi Labs products such as DesignPLUS, ReadyGO, TidyUP, and UDOIT Advantage, which are justified as sole source offerings due to their unique capabilities. The solicitation was posted on June 18, 2025, with responses due by July 14, 2025. The procurement process is conducted under a sole source certification, with notices issued to justify the exclusivity of the selected instructional tools based on their specialized features. Interested parties are directed to the Mississippi procurement portal for further details on the certification and objection procedures. The contract underscores the institution’s commitment to improving digital accessibility and course design quality through specialized software solutions, with a primary point of contact being Grant Banks. This initiative aligns with federal and state procurement regulations, ensuring a streamlined process for acquiring essential instructional technology tools to support inclusive education.