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An RFP for a Large State System of Higher Education |
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SCENARIO: A large state system of higher education supported two course management systems. The two largest campuses housed one each and provided service to other campuses. In anticipation of increased usage by faculty and students, and in an effort to save money by not supporting two systems, the state system was looking for a single system-wide solution. A request for interest had generated many responses and also raised awareness of architectural issues, interoperability standards and the large number of options available.
The committee tasked with writing a request for proposals (and evaluating responses) did not feel it had enough technical expertise in the above issues and also wanted help writing a request for proposals that would elicit the most useful and meaningful responses. SOLUTION: Eduworks spent three days on site giving presentations to the committee on technical issues, painting a picture of the potential options and architectures, and interviewing stakeholders. Eduworks suggested language and structure for the request for proposals. RESULT: Eduworks assistance resulted in a request for proposals that took a broader and longer term view. This eventually led to a solution that will save hundreds of thousands of dollars initially and will be more durable and sustainable in the future. |
