Technology Services and Support

1. Request for Proposals (RFP)
   Technology Services and Support

Issued By:
Neighborhood House Charter School
21 Queen St, Dorchester, MA 02121

Contact:
Rick Grant
Chief Operations Officer
rgrant@thenhcs.org

Issue Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Proposal Due Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

1. Overview

Neighborhood House Charter School (NHCS) is soliciting proposals in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 30B for comprehensive Technology Services and Support. The selected vendor will provide outsourced IT services, device management, cybersecurity, and E-rate support, including a mandatory discovery phase as part of the procurement process.

This RFP follows the competitive sealed proposals process under Chapter 30B, Section 6 (Procurement of Services), allowing NHCS to select a vendor based on best value, considering both cost and quality factors.

2. Scope of Services

The awarded vendor will provide full-service technology support and function as NHCS’s outsourced technology department, with responsibilities including but not limited to:

A. Discovery Phase (Mandatory)

• Assess NHCS’s current IT infrastructure, systems, and security posture.
• Provide a report with recommendations for optimizing IT operations.
• Findings will shape the final scope of the contract.

B. Ongoing IT Support

• Helpdesk support for faculty, staff, and students.
• Device management (Chromebooks, laptops, tablets, and software updates).
• Network management, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• IT procurement assistance and lifecycle management.

C. Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Implement and monitor security best practices.
• Ensure NHCS meets compliance requirements for student data privacy laws.
• Provide ongoing cybersecurity training for staff.

D. E-Rate & Financial System Support

• Assist with E-rate applications and ensure compliance.
• Interface with Ramp.com and Bill.com for IT-related purchases and payments.

E. Information Systems Management

• Support and manage student information systems such as PowerSchool, DeansList, CLEVER, and similar platforms.
• Ensure seamless integration and interoperability between school systems.
• Provide troubleshooting, updates, and staff training on these platforms.

3. Proposal Submission Requirements

Qualified vendors must submit a sealed proposal that includes:

• Company Background & Experience (K-12 experience preferred).
• Approach to Discovery Process & IT Services (detailed methodology).
• Key Personnel Resumes & Qualifications.
• Project Cost Breakdown (including discovery phase and ongoing support).
• Three (3) Client References (preferably from K-12 institutions).
• Certificate of Non-Collusion & Tax Compliance Certification (required per Chapter 30B).

Proposals must be submitted in both digital (PDF) and hard copy format by 5:00 PM on April 1, 2025 to:

Rick Grant Chief Operations Officer
Neighborhood House Charter School
rgrant@thenhcs.org
21 Queen St, Dorchester, MA 02121

4. Evaluation Criteria (Best Value Selection Process)

NHCS will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria and weighting:

• Experience & Qualifications (K-12 Focus): 25%
• Discovery Process Approach: 20%
• IT Support & Cybersecurity Plan: 20%
• Cost Proposal: 20%
• Client References & Past Performance: 15%

5. Procurement Timeline

• RFP Issued: March 12, 2025
• Questions Due: March 19, 2025
• Responses to Questions: March 21, 2025
• Proposals Due (Sealed): April 1, 2025
• Vendor Selection: April 10, 2025
• Contract Start Date: May 1, 2025

6. Additional Compliance Requirements

• All procurement activities shall comply with M.G.L. Chapter 30B.
• NHCS reserves the right to reject any or all proposals if deemed in the best interest of the school.
• Vendors must submit signed affidavits of tax compliance and non-collusion with their proposals.
• NHCS is a tax-exempt entity; no sales tax should be included in cost proposals.

7. Questions & Clarifications

All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing to Rick Grant at rgrant@thenhcs.org by March 19, 2025. I will respond to any questions by March 21, 2025.