Open Source Learning Technologies Services

23 April 2024 Open Source Learning Technologies Services Arizona State University seeks development, integration, customization and cloud based hosting services, for learning technologies that use open source code. 23 April 2024 Open 4/23/2024 11:00 AM MST Type Request for Proposal Close 5/21/2024 11:00 AM MST Number RFP-282403 Currency US Dollar Sealed Until 5/21/2024 11:00 AM MST 23 April 2024 Contacts Mehdi Samie Aliabadi msamieal@asu.edu 23 April 2024 Commodity Codes Commodity Code Description 86-01 Education and Training 43-01 Information Technology 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024 mailto:msamieal@asu.edu Arizona State University (ASU) seeks (1) Learning Tool Development services involving development, integration, customization, administration, maintenance, and cloud hosting for

authoring-capable learning technologies that use open source code and/or artificial intelligence. (“Learning Tool Development'' or “LT Development''), and (2) learning technology tools for such open source code systems and platforms, as well as proprietary learning management systems, including Canvas and Blackboard, as well as proprietary systems and platforms developed for ASU (“Learning Tools”). LT Development services may include, but not limited to, Learning Management Systems, Open edX, and chat/messaging applications, tools for enriching online learning assessment (e.g. H5P, Webwork), and functionality to improve ASU’s existing platforms or courses. Various learning technologies and customization capabilities are crucial for this project's success. We seek suppliers with expertise in supporting a range of learning technologies and the ability to tailor and enhance existing open- source tools. Examples of such enhancements include API integration, CRM integration, SSO with external IDP, learning analytics integration, and learning event data collection and reporting using Caliper/xAPI. For the purposes of the RFP, the buyer is Mehdi Samie, email: mehdi.samie@asu.edu Bid Open Date: 04/23/2024 11:00 AM (AZ Time) Deadline for Inquiries: 05/03/2024 11:00 AM (AZ Time) Bid Close Date: 05/21/2024 11:00 AM (AZ Time) *Bid Opening Meeting URL: https://asu.zoom.us/j/82711100290 *Attendance in this meeting is not mandatory. Description Required to View Event Prerequisites Required to Enter Bid 23 April 2024 1. Proposers must download the attached "Single Point of Contact" document, complete the information, and upload the completed document in this section. 2. Review the Instructions to Proposers 3. Review the Intent, Background and Term of the RFP 4. Review the Pre-Proposal Conference information. 5. Review the Evaluation Criteria instructions 6. Review the Small Business & Small Disadvantaged Business Information 7. Review the Cooperative Agreements Information 8. Review Sustainability Requirements 9. Complete the attached Mandatory Certifications and upload in this section 10. Review the Proprietary/Confidential Statement instructions. 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024 Buyer Attachments There are no Buyer Attachments added to this event. 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024 Questions Required Questions Group 1.1: Standard Open Source Code Installation/Standup of Learning Technology Instructions: Depending on the technology, our service needs will vary. Please explain how your solution may integrate, provide, and/or support the below mentioned technical capabilities. 1.1.1 Install open source applications and host on ASU Amazon Web Services (AWS) enterprise account and do necessary configurations. 1.1.2 Integrate with current ASU technologies (e.g. single-sign-on, analytics, logging, backups) 1.1.3 Secure application (with optional penetration testing and security scanning) 1.1.4 Configure DNS 1.1.5 Configure automated backups. 1.1.6 Configure email features. 1.1.7 Configure grade / learning analytics reporting 1.1.8 Enable learning credential generation as needed (e.g. certificates and badges for students) 1.1.9 Configure media integration and delivery (YouTube. Vimeo, MP4 on AWS) 1.1.10 Configure learning event data exports as needed and integrate with external data stores (e.g. Caliper, xAPI). 1.1.11 Leverage AI (Artificial Intelligence). Group 1.2: Product Engineering Instructions: Please describe your capabilities in being able to provide the following services. Please upload screen-shots, other visual aids or proof of compliance where applicable. 1.2.1 Proficiency in frontend technologies like VueJS, NuxtJS or any other SPA frameworks to enable modern web framework on web applications. 1.2.2 Proficiency in LTI development using LTIJs. 1.2.3 Provision content management systems or headless content management systems like Drupal, Wordpress, Strapi, which enables JAMStack enabled backend systems. 1.2.4 Provision API/middleware development using either JavaScript/TypeScript or Python or Java programming languages along with middleware frameworks like node/express or FastAPI or Flask or SpringBoot leveraging serverless architecture. 1.2.5 Designing/Creating of UI/UX 1.2.6 Implementation of UI/UX 1.2.7 Proficiency in data analytics 1.2.8 list of platforms/tools used to facilitate data analysis/data visualization 1.2.9 Proficiency in customer data platform tools Group 1.3: Branding Instructions: Depending on the technology, this may include services such as: Basic branding of applications (e.g. adding logo and color scheme). 1.3.1 Will you be able to comply with ASU Enterprise Brand and Marketing Guide (please visit https://brandguide.asu.edu/)? Please explain in detail if you cannot comply and why. Comprehensive branding must fully conform to ASU brand standards. Group 1.4: Support Based on Service Level Agreement (SLA) Instructions: 1.4.1 Explain how your solution works with an AWS Managed Service Provider. 1.4.2 Explain how your solution works with Google Cloud Services. 1.4.3 How would you develop incident response scripts for applications under management? 1.4.4 What are your tiered service levels, including guaranteed incident response and resolution times with associated pricing? 1.4.5 What is your guaranteed uptime (if applicable)? 1.4.6 What are your Email/video conference/telephone support/hours of operation? 1.4.7 Can you provide 24/7 monitoring of application and cloud infrastructure with notification triggers? If yes, what is your process for providing 24/7 monitoring? 1.4.8 What is your standard timeframe to upgrade applications as new open source code versions become available? 1.4.9 Do you provide application testing support? If yes, please provide details. 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024 1.4.10 Do you provide Tier 1 support to students and/or staff? If yes, please share details about the support you provide. 1.4.11 What is your Disaster Recovery Plan? Group 1.5: Learning and Data Instructions: 1.5.1 What types of learning data and metrics are captured by your existing tools/platforms (e.g. user interactions, performance, time spent, etc.)? 1.5.2 How are analytics insights presented to instructors, administrators and learners? 1.5.3 Provide examples of how your learning analytics have informed instructional design, identified at-risk students, or enabled personalized learning. 1.5.4 Describe how you would approach integrating with ASU's existing systems while ensuring interoperability? (SIS, LMS, data warehouses). 1.5.5 What data standards/protocols are supported (LTI, Caliper, xAPI, OneRoster, etc.)? 1.5.6 Outline your capabilities in building data integration layers and APIs. 1.5.7 Can you develop customized reports/dashboards tailored to ASU's specific needs? 1.5.8 Explain your policies and practices around data ownership, security and portability. 1.5.9 How will you ensure ASU retains complete control and ownership over its data? 1.5.10 What options exist for data portability and integrating with external analytical tools? Group 1.6: Custom Functionality Instructions: Depending on the technology, our service needs will vary. Please explain how your solution integrates with and supports the below mentioned technical capabilities. 1.6.1 Installation on cloud platforms other than AWS and Google 1.6.2 Third-party authorization (SSO / Federated login) 1.6.3 Developing associated marketing landing pages 1.6.4 E-commerce integration 1.6.5 Mobile applications 1.6.6 Search functionality 1.6.7 Extending functionality and new feature (e.g. Xblocks in the case of Open edX) 1.6.8 Custom theming 1.6.9 Email templates 1.6.10 Accessibility enhancements and remediation to meet Section 508 and WCAG guidelines. Please refer: Section 508: https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/ WCAG guidelines: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ 1.6.11 API integration with external applications 1.6.12 CRM integration (e.g. Salesforce) Group 1.7: Software Development Life-Cycle (SDLC) Instructions: 1.7.1 Please describe how you follow enterprise software development procedures and maintain Development, Staging and Production environments. 1.7.2 Will you version control all code with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) strategies for cloud hosted environments (EdPlus uses Bitbucket and Bitbucket Pipelines)? Please explain if not. 1.7.3 Will you utilize automated cloud infrastructure provisioning, machine image creation and configuration management? Which tools/framework would you use for this? 1.7.4 How do you develop manual and/or automated testing procedures as needed to maintain stable systems and software update cycles? 1.7.5 How would you create adequate documentation for ASU personnel to use and manage applications? Please provide an example. 1.7.6 What is your policy/procedure on providing remote/onsite training for ASU personnel (staff, students, faculty) for application hand-off? Group 1.8: Ownership Instructions: 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024 1.8.1 Are you able to develop for ASU’s Ownership? Depending on the technology and the scope of needs from ASU, respondents will need to deliver to ASU for ASU’s ownership databases and platforms created under the scope of this RFP. Please detail if you have any exceptions to this. Group 1.9: Security Support Instructions: 1.9.1 Can you meet industry standards, such as SOC2 Type II reports, as well as regulatory compliance with FERPA and HIPAA statutes and the Global Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)? 1.9.2 Please describe your experience protecting confidential data and session activity both within the application and in transit. 1.9.3 Are you able to encrypt data and session activity? 1.9.4 How do you support mass notifications for users during emergencies, including any third party product integrations? 1.9.5 Please describe in detail delivered security elements such as, but not limited to, the encryption of sensitive data in transport, data at rest, third party security scanning, etc. Group 1.10: Miscellaneous Instructions: 1.10.1 How do you obtain an extensive understanding of the latest trends and technologies in educational learning? 1.10.2 How do you ensure that the development of learning technologies will not only be educational but also engaging and enjoyable if you are to provide software or licensing support? 1.10.3 How do you ensure that the project will be delivered on schedule and within a cost-effective budget, leveraging open-source code to offer more affordable services compared to proprietary solutions? 1.10.4 How do you incorporate provisions for iterative testing throughout the development process to enhance the project approach? 1.10.5 How does your proposal ensure collaborative work opportunities with higher education institutions or other colleges/departments that will use these services? 1.10.6 How would open-source code contribute to faster deployment and reduced support costs, reflecting on your responsiveness in setup and support times? 1.10.7 How does your proposal detail the flexibility of integrating with Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Blackboard, Canvas, Google classroom, and Open EdX? 1.10.8 Do you acknowledge and agree to the higher education institution’s ownership of any code and databases developed specifically for the institution as stated in your proposal? 1.10.9 Could you detail your experience and familiarity with completing industry-standard security self-questionnaires, with a particular emphasis on the Educause HECVAT (Full or Lite versions) and the Shared Assessments SIG Questionnaire? Please specify which of these questionnaires your organization has previously completed or regularly completes as part of your security and compliance measures. Group 1.11: Value-Added Services Instructions: 1.Please provide a summary of any other value added services or programs which may contribute to the overall value of your proposal, including but not limited to: 1.11.1 ●Training ●Resources ●Instructional Design ●Industry Partnerships ●Development services ●Consulting services ●Support of ASU’s Charter and goals ●Support of Sustainable development, veterans’ affairs, initiatives in support of women, wellness, and our changing regional demographics ●Support and enhance of ASU’s reputation as an innovative, foundational model for the New American University ●Commitment to provide significant financial and non-financial support for the University and its signature programs Group 2.1: Proposer Qualifications Instructions: 2.1.1 The University is soliciting Proposals from Persons which are in the business of providing services as listed in this RFP. Failure to include any requested information may be grounds for rejection of the Proposal. 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024 2.1.2 Acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand all of ASU’s Initial Vendor Relationship Requirements and Ongoing Vendor Relationship Requirements at: https://getprotected.asu.edu/compliance-regulations/vendor-relationship-information The proposer will be expected to successfully complete and pass all security assessment requirements and agree to ASU’s security information provisions before receiving a final contract award 2.1.3 Please describe your company’s experience in the field specified under this RFP and provide a short summary on the company's background and service offerings. 2.1.4 Demonstrate expertise and provide work examples involving technologies used for open source tool development such as Python/jDango in the case of Open edX and Meteor framework for Rocket Chat. 2.1.5 The proposer must provide a minimum of three (3) references, a description of recent projects and/or experience in providing similar services as described in this RFP, including institution size and scope. References should be verifiable and able to comment on the firm’s experience, with a preference for references receiving services similar to those described in this Proposal. Include the name, title, telephone number, and email address of the individual at the organization most familiar with the Proposer. (References in the Higher Education sector are preferred. Other educational or public-sector references are also helpful) 2.1.6 The proposer must provide details if their firm, or any member of their firm, has been declared in default, suspended, terminated or removed from a contract or job related to the services their firm provides in the regular course of business within the last five (5) years. If so, please explain how it was handled. 2.1.7 Project Resources. Proposals shall include a list of proposed personnel with resumes specifying qualifications and relevant experience. Describe assignment of account representatives and/or key personnel. 2.1.8 Describe what distinguishes the ability of your firm from that of your competitors to perform the services described in this Request for Proposal and provide insights into why it stands out as the optimal choice for our particular requirements and objectives? 2.1.9 Disputes/Litigation. Describe the material issues of any current patent or copyright lawsuits or any other legal actions against Proposer including, but not limited to, parties of dispute, description of technology involved, equipment affected, jurisdiction, and date of legal complaint. Describe litigation disputes for the past 5 years related to similar projects or Proposer’s ability to perform. 2.1.10 How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in this field? 2.1.11 What is your roadmap for future development and innovation (2 -5 year plan)? 2.1.12 How do you assess and manage the risks associated with open source learning technologies projects? Group 2.2: Financial Statements Instructions: 2.2.1 Option A. Proposers who have audited financial statements are to provide the following: Audited financial statements for the two (2) most recent available years. Option B. Proposers who might not have audited financial statements are to provide the following: It is preferred that audited financial statements for the two (2) most recent available years be submitted. However, if not available, provide a copy of firm’s two (2) most recent tax returns or compiled financial statements by an independent CPA. Group 3.1: Pricing Schedule Instructions: 3.1.1 Proposer shall submit a detailed itemized cost proposal to include all aspects of providing the scope of work associated with this Request for Proposal. NOTE: All costs must be identified in your response as the University will not pay for any hidden costs. (reference the attached form) Fill out the attached pricing schedule template. If your proposal includes an alternate pricing structure, approach, or strategy proposal that cannot be effectively summarized in a spreadsheet of prices or discount rates, then define your approach. Include all total cost elements, describe the metrics and criteria for your pricing strategy as well as any implementation or other one-time costs, recurring cost, bundling discounts, etc. Any costs, fees, and expenses must be detailed in the proposer’s proposal. Any additional expenses, not explicitly stated, will not be honored by ASU unless negotiated and agreed upon prior to the start of additional work. 3.1.2 If the proposer's price for services is tied to any Service Level Agreements (SLAs) outside of the referenced items on scope of work section 1.4 specify those terms. 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024 3.1.3 If ASU agrees to reimburse vendor for any travel expenses, all reimbursable travel expenses must be authorized in writing by ASU in advance of the planned travel and must be consistent with ASU Financial Services Policy FIN 421-01, www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/fin/fin421-01.html. If ASU agrees to reimburse vendor for any expenses, vendor will submit all receipts and any required backup documentation to ASU within 60 days after the applicable expenses were incurred. ASU will not be required to reimburse Licensor for any expenses, invoices, or receipts for expenses received after that time. Proposer must acknowledge and accept this provision. 3.1.4 Any pricing and/or revenue offerings in a Proposal may be considered a final offer by the University, whether stated as amounts or percentages, and/or whether or not offered on an all-or-none basis, unless otherwise specified in the Proposal. The University may accept or reject in part or entirely a Proposal’s pricing and/or revenue offerings, unless otherwise specified in the Proposal. A Proposal’s pricing and/or revenue offering may not be modified after Opening unless the University, at its sole discretion, permits such modification. The University may reject any Proposal in which the pricing and/or revenue offering does not conform to the prescribed manner and method in this RFP. Proposer must acknowledge and accept this requirement. 3.1.5 Method of Payment & Discount for Early Payment. Each Proposal shall indicate whether Proposer will: a.Accept payment via credit card at the time of purchase without assessing credit card fees; b.Offer an early payment discount (and describe the offering); c.Accept payment via another method that may be an economical alternative for the University. Group 4.1: Sustainability Questionnaire Acknowledgement Instructions: 4.1.1 Arizona State University integrates sustainability into procurement practices to advance our commitment to sustainability. Please review the attached practices and acknowledge you have reviewed the options. Group 4.2: Supplier Sustainability Questions Instructions: 4.2.1 Sustainability is embedded in our organization's overall purpose, vision, mission and strategic goals. 4.2.2 Our organization uses annual metrics to determine sustainability goals and projects. 4.2.3 Annually measures: Water Usage 4.2.4 Annually measures: Energy 4.2.5 Annually measures: Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 4.2.6 Annually measures: Waste 4.2.7 Annually measures: Sustainable Purchasing 4.2.8 Based on metrics, we have a staged plan to expand upon sustainability programs within our operations. 4.2.9 We can show how we have publicly advocated for sustainability as a market force for progress in our industry, in the past year. 4.2.10 Provide a summary on programs related to diversity, inclusion or social equity? 4.2.11 Please provide a summary of any value added sustainability programs, including but not limited to: (A) Support of ASU’s Sustainability Goals (https://cfo.asu.edu/sustainability-goals-and-vision); (B) Sustainability focused position(s); (C) Sustainability product and service reporting capabilities Group 4.3: Sourcing Sustainability Instructions: Current sustainability scope for products and services: We actively address these product and service sustainability issues in the sourcing and supplying of our services/products. (Check all that apply.) 4.3.1 Environmental impact issues 4.3.2 Employee impact issues 4.3.3 Community/ethical issues Group 4.4: Leadership in Sustainability Instructions: 4.4.1 An executive is responsible for sponsoring and overseeing the integration of sustainability into all organization processes. 4.4.2 Sustainability goals are championed by roles dedicated to sustainability. 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024 4.4.3 Sustainability goals are championed and supported by staff through sustainability engagement teams, training, courses, and organization events. 4.4.4 We share our best practices, guidance, tools, etc. with others in the sustainability focused community. Group 5.1: ASU's Terms and Conditions Instructions: 5.1.1 I have read and agree to ASU's Terms and Conditions located at https://www.asu.edu/purchasing/pdf/Stand_TsCs_Provisions.pdf. If "NO", you will be required to submit exceptions with justification and alternate language. Proposals that are contingent upon any changes to these mandatory terms and conditions may be deemed non-responsive and may be rejected. 5.1.2 All exceptions must be submitted with justification and alternate language, and MUST be submitted with the submittal. In no event is a proposer to submit its own standard contract terms and conditions as a response to this Request for Proposal. Group 6.1: Insurance Requirements Instructions: 6.1.1 I have read the attached ASU insurance requirements and all requirements will be met. 6.1.2 All exceptions to insurance must be submitted with justification and alternate language, and MUST be submitted with the proposal. Group 7.1: Proprietary/Confidential Statement Instructions: 7.1.1 Per pre-requisite instructions, If you are submitting any information you consider to be proprietary or confidential, you must create a password protected zip file and upload the document along with a justification in the appropriate area within this RFP. In an email outside of the RFP, send the password directly to the Buyer referencing the RFP number (mehdi.samie@asu.edu). If the Deputy CPO concurs, this information will not be considered public information. The Deputy CPO of Procurement is the final authority as to the extent of material, which is considered proprietary or confidential. Pricing information cannot be considered proprietary or confidential. Proprietary or confidential information must be submitted per the Instructions to Proposers, item 7. Any watermarks, footnotes, copyright or reference to proprietary or confidential throughout the submitted proposal will be disregarded as boilerplate markings. I have read and understand. 7.1.2 If you have proprietary or confidential information, upload the password protected zip file here and email the Buyer with the password. For each individual document you've included in your zip file, with the exception of Financial Statements properly submitted via the instructions provided (if applicable), you MUST provide a justification explaining for why this is considered proprietary and confidential to your business. Please provide this information via the file attached. If no justification supporting your submitted Proprietary and Confidential information is enclosed, the request will be disregarded. 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024 Product Line Items Product Line Items There are no Items added to this event. 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024 Service Line Items Service Line Items There are no Items added to this event. 23 April 202423 April 202423 April 2024