Professional Services for Computer Engineering and Computer Science

The Hawaii Department of Education has issued solicitation PS D26-003 for professional services in computer engineering and computer science, aiming to establish a qualified list of firms capable of providing a wide range of IT and professional services. These services cover specialties including policy and planning, enterprise architecture, information security, systems analysis, software development, operating systems, network services, data management, internet solutions, systems administration, and customer support. The solicitation, with a posting date of June 3, 2025, invites submissions until June 30, 2026, with an initial deadline for submittals on June 30, 2025. Responses must be submitted electronically in PDF format and include a transmittal letter, firm qualifications checklist, client project references, licenses, and documentation of staff qualifications. The contract period aligns with the fiscal year 2025-2026 and adheres to compliance with Hawaii state regulations and disability access standards for electronic information technology. Contract terms emphasize the independent contractor relationship, compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and the protection of confidential personal information through security safeguards and confidentiality agreements. Contractors must provide tax clearance or compliance certificates prior to commencement and final payment, and contractors or subcontractors may not be assigned or subcontracted without prior written consent. The award process is based on a best-value trade-off approach that prioritizes experience and qualifications, past performance, and capacity to perform within required timeframes, followed by cost considerations. Contract oversight includes audit rights, reporting of security breaches, nondiscrimination obligations, and requirements for records retention. Modifications to the contract are tightly controlled, especially those affecting scope or cost above certain thresholds, and compliance with anti-lobbying certifications, particularly for contracts exceeding $100,000, is mandatory. The solicitation does not specify a contract value, delivery location, or invoicing procedures but highlights a collaborative inspection and acceptance process between the STATE and contractor to ensure quality standards are met. Overall, the contract sets a rigorous framework to support the Hawaii Department of Education’s IT and computer science needs with a strong focus on compliance, quality, and professional qualifications.