The State of Tennessee, through the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), is seeking proposals for a comprehensive statewide articulation and transfer technology system. The system should evaluate and translate prior learning into academic credit, including credit for work experience, military training, and credit by examination. The contractor will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance and technical support of the system. The payment structure is contingent on satisfactory provision of goods or services. The RFP outlines detailed response requirements, including a technical response and a cost proposal, and specifies various submission methods. It also details the evaluation process, contract award criteria, and general contracting information, including insurance, licensure, and nondiscrimination clauses. The deadline for submitting written questions is April 3, 2026, and the response deadline is May 1, 2026.
The State requires that responses be received no later than the response deadline time and date detailed in the RFP Section 2, Schedule of Events, which is 2:00 p. m. on May 1, 2026. The State will not accept late responses.
The payment structure for this contract will be contingent on the satisfactory provision of goods or services. The contractor shall be compensated based on a payment methodology that includes an implementation one-time fee, training fees, and annual costs for hosting, licensing, system maintenance, and client support services.
The contractor represents and warrants that the warranty period shall be the greater of the term of this contract or any other warranty generally offered by the contractor. Any nonconformance of the goods or services to the terms and conditions of this contract shall constitute a defect, and the contractor shall correct the defect at no additional charge.
The contract will be awarded not necessarily to the respondent offering the lowest cost, but rather to the respondent deemed by the state to be responsive and responsible who offers the best combination of attributes based upon the evaluation criteria, which include general qualifications and experience, technical qualifications, experience and approach, product demonstrations, and cost proposal.
Respondents must demonstrate general qualifications and experience, technical qualifications, experience and approach, and participate in product demonstrations. The RFP includes detailed requirements for each of these categories in Attachments 6. 2 and 6. 4.
The RFP mentions that unauthorized contact about this RFP with employees or officials of the State of Tennessee may result in disqualification from consideration. It also states that failure to submit a response before the deadline will result in disqualification. The pro forma contract also outlines termination for cause and associated remedies.
The RFP does not mention any requirement for a site visit.
The RFP does not require the submission of samples.
The end of the protest period is June 1, 2026.
