Acquisition Notice
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Suppliers can find the complete acquisition document(s) on MERX.com.
Procuring Entity:
Algoma University (AU)
Procurement Services
1520 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2G4
Contact:
Maxine Smale
Procurement@AlgomaU.ca
Procurement Method:
Open acquisition whereby all interested Suppliers may submit a Proposal.
Description of Services:
This Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is an invitation by Algoma University to prospective Proponents to submit a Proposal for the provision of a Learning Management Software-as-a Service System (LMS) and Implementation Services.
Submission Details:
All submissions must be emailed to AU Contact by the Submission Date/Time listed in the RFP Timetable below.
Public Opening:
Not Applicable
Submission Deadline:
Friday, June 24, 2022 by 2:00:00 p.m. (ET)
All times noted are Eastern Time Zone (ET). The RFP timetable is tentative only and may be changed by Algoma University at any time. All times are according to the Contact Persons’ computer clock.
Conditions for Participation:
Stage I will consist of a review to determine which Proposals comply with all of the Specific Requirements, if applicable. Proponent must answer ‘YES’ to all of these requirements in order to proceed to Stage II.
Specific Requirements
AU is seeking to replace the current system with a fully integrated, comprehensive Learning Management System that will support the growth of the University. The new system must be an out-of-the-box, internet based, software as a service (SaaS) solution. AU cannot consider an in-house solution due to time constraints. The Successful Proponent will be experienced with providing this solution to higher education institutions across Canada. All software licences must support at a minimum 5,000 registered students, 10,000 applicants, 500 staff users and 10,000 concurrent University users and has the ability to support AU’s continued growth at all campuses.
Mandatory Submission Requirements:
6.1 Submission
Other than inserting the information requested on the mandatory submission forms set out in the RFP, a Proponent should not make any changes to any of the forms. Proponents submitting Proposals that do not meet the mandatory requirements will be provided an opportunity prior to the rectification date to rectify deficiencies identified in the Rectification Process.
6.1.2 Submission Form (Appendix 1)
Each Proposal should include a Submission Form completed and signed by an authorized representative of the Proponent.
6.1.3 Rate Bid Form (Appendix 2)
Each Proponent must include a completed Rate Bid Form according to the instructions contained in Appendix 2 and any related form(s).
6.1.4 Form of Agreement (Appendix 3)
Each Proponent should read a copy of Algoma University’s provided form of agreement as per Appendix 3 instructions, in a separate file.
6.1.5 Reference Form (Appendix 4)
Each Proponent should complete the Reference Form and include it with their Proposal.
6.1.6 General Requirements Questionnaire (Appendix 5)
Each Proponent must complete the General Requirements Questionnaire and include it with their Proposal. Questionnaires are evaluated comparatively based on the responses provided. Proponents should provide complete answers to questions within their questionnaire. Supporting documentation referenced by the Proponent in their questionnaire will not be evaluated. Submissions of the completed questionnaire file must be in Excel only.
6.1.7 Rectification Process
The rectification process will be limited to only allowing rectification of the following components of a Proponent’s Proposal:
a. Appendix 1 – Only to confirm Signature and Proponent Information provided;
b. Appendix 2 - Missing component of pricing;
c. Appendix 3 - Only to confirm Proponent Agreement comments included;
d. Appendix 4 - Only to confirm Reference Information provided.
Proposals satisfying the mandatory requirements before the rectification date will proceed to Stage I Specific Requirements. Proposals failing to satisfy the mandatory requirements will be excluded from further consideration.
Complete submission requirements are provided within the acquisition document(s).
Scored Submission Requirements:
Proponents that “Pass” Stage I - Specific Requirements will move on to Stage II. Proponents that do not “pass” (answer “yes” to all criteria) will not move on to Stage II. The following is an overview of the categories and weighting for the rated criteria to be used in Stages II and III of the RFP.
Proponents who do not meet a minimum total rated score of 60% in Stage II will not be considered to proceed to Stage III of the evaluation process.
A maximum of three (3) of the highest scoring Proposals from Stage II may advance to Stage III. If the 4th place Proposal (if applicable) is within one (1) point of the 3rd place Proposal, then the 4th place Proposal may also move on to Stage III.
All vendors that are considered for Stage III will move on to Stage IV.
Rated Criteria Category Weighting (1000 Points)
Stage II: Tech Rated Requirements 600
Accessibility 40
Analytics 25
Application Administration 80
Communications 5
Content 25
Course Design 50
Course Management 20
Gradebook 60
Integration 25
Mobile / Notifications 10
Profile 10
Proponent and Team 125
Rubrics 20
Technical 10
Tests & Quizzes 25
User Interface 30
Warranty and Support 40
Stage III: Presentation 200
Stage III: Rate Bid Submission 200
Total Points 1000
This procurement is covered by Chapter 5 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).
Duration of Agreement:
The term of the Agreement is to be for a period of up to sixty months (60) months, with an option for Algoma University to extend the Agreement on the same terms and conditions for an additional term of up to twelve (12) months, for a total Agreement term not to exceed 72 months.
It is anticipated that the Agreement will be executed by September 30, 2022 and then the services will begin.
Negotiation:
At the end of the evaluation process, AU may identify one or more Suppliers with whom it wishes to enter into negotiations, by written notification. See acquisition document(s) for further detail.
Responses must be submitted in English.
Suppliers should note that information contained within this Acquisition Notice is subject to change. Suppliers are encouraged to download the acquisition document(s) which contain the most current information.
If there is a conflict between the acquisition document(s) and this Acquisition Notice, the acquisition document(s) will take precedence.
