Rhode Island State Alert Warning and Notification System

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is soliciting proposals for a comprehensive, cloud-based, statewide Alert, Warning, and Notification (AWN) system. The objective is to implement a unified, multi-tenant platform that provides access to seven core state agencies, recognized tribal nations, and all 39 municipalities. The system must support between 50 and 700 users, balancing localized municipal control for community notifications with centralized state-level oversight for mass dissemination. Key technical requirements include ADA compliance with TDD/TTY capability, adherence to W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA, and integration with National Weather Service expiration defaults for weather notifications. The contract utilizes a hybrid fixed-subscription and deliverable-based fee structure, consisting of one-time implementation costs for data ingestion and portal development, and an all-inclusive annual SaaS subscription that is not governed by message or minute increments. Evaluation is based on staff qualifications, vendor capability, and cybersecurity posture, with a requirement for a technical proposal, a video presentation, and a completed ETSS Cybersecurity Questionnaire. Vendors must adhere to strict data ownership rules, ensuring data is not used for marketing or sold to third parties. The initial term includes the possibility of three additional 24-month renewal periods at the state's discretion. Proposals are due by December 2, 2026, with a Q&A deadline of November 16, 2026.