RFP 25-30 Advising Technology Platform and Implementation Services

The Houston Community College System (HCC) is currently seeking proposals from qualified vendors to implement a cloud-based Advising Technology platform along with Implementation Services. This initiative is designed to enhance the advising function within the college while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Vendors submitting proposals must have a proven track record in deploying similar solutions in higher education settings, particularly those involving multi-campus environments. HCC aims to streamline its advising processes, improve student retention rates, and provide enhanced student services through this technology. The scope of work requires vendors to integrate data from various legacy systems, customize workflows, manage implementation costs, and ensure that the system supports seamless student engagement across multiple communication channels. Data privacy compliance, particularly under FERPA, is also a critical component of the platform requirements. The contract has a proposed duration of three years with options to renew for two additional one-year terms. Moreover, there is a possibility for a month-to-month extension not extending beyond three months following the initial contract term. The services under this contract will be deployed across several locations within the Houston Community College System. The technology solution must be cloud-based, work cohesively with existing systems like Oracle PeopleSoft, and meet accessibility standards per WCAG 2.1 Level AA. The contract's estimated budget ranges from $500,000 to $2,000,000 and proposals must be submitted by March 26, 2025. HCC highlights the importance of training for faculty and staff to use the new system efficiently and seeks solutions that include features for predictive analytics to support data-driven decision making in academic advising operations.