IT Sourcing Event DEQ AI Permitting Pilot

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is soliciting proposals for the DEQ AI Permitting Pilot, a project focused on developing AI-based solutions to streamline permit application processing and public input management. The scope is divided into two primary use cases: an AI tool to distill key insights from large volumes of public comments and a Permit Assistance AI solution to provide guidance via conversational assistance and guided questionnaires. The project requires the delivery of web-based applications, comprehensive testing plans, and maintenance support plans, all while adhering to State IT security standards, GovRAMP internal verification, and strict privacy laws regarding personally identifiable information. The contract has a base term of one year, with the State retaining the option to extend for two additional one-year periods for operations and maintenance. Award decisions will be based on a trade-off method to determine the best value, prioritizing conformity to specifications, technical proposals, and past performance over the lowest price. Payment is structured as Net 30 days following the acceptance of deliverables, with all costs, including travel, required to be included in the vendor's proposed costs. Vendors must submit their offers via the Ariba Sourcing Module by January 5, 2027, and must comply with E-Verify requirements and specific financial certification standards.