Kent State University At Kent Kentuniversity #2036

Kent State University seeks vendors for Bike Share Program and Virtual Reality Platform for Nursing Simulation

Kent State University is seeking vendors for two major technology procurements to enhance campus services and academic programs: - Bike Share Program for Kent Campus and City of Kent - University Procurement Department is soliciting a multi-year contract for a turnkey, technology-based bike-sharing system - Fleet size scalable from 50 to 500 bikes, with at least 20% e-bikes and accessible options - System must operate 24/7 without on-site attendants, support multiple check-out methods, and include geofencing, safety education, maintenance, and 24/7 customer service - Vendors must provide segmented pricing for students, faculty/staff, and community users, and remit $0.05 per ride revenue share to the University - Unique requirements: scalable deployment, accessible bike options, integration with campus logistics, and compliance with university standards for reliability and performance - Virtual Reality Platform for Nursing Simulation - College of Nursing is procuring a VR platform to support AI-driven customizable patient scenarios, compatible with Meta Quest headsets - Platform must include cloud-based LMS features, automated grading aligned with AACN Core Competencies, multi-patient and multi-player simulation, remote access, Single Sign On, FERPA-protected grading, and optional NCLEX preparation content - Implementation will scale from 600 students in year one to 1,700 students by year three - Vendor must provide faculty and student orientation, curriculum integration support, on-demand training, onboarding, and 24/7 technical and content support - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the solicitation; opportunity is open to all qualified providers - Places of performance include Kent State University Kent Campus and the City of Kent, Ohio - Contracts are anticipated to run for three years with up to two optional one-year renewals, for a maximum of five years - Estimated contract value ranges from $250,000 to $2,000,000, depending on fleet size and VR platform scale

Description

Kent State University is soliciting proposals for a vendor to provide a bike share program for its Kent Campus. The solicitation outlines a project timeline starting with the issuance of the RFP on April 20, 2026, and proposals due by May 22, 2026. The evaluation process includes proposal review, potential vendor presentations, and contract award anticipated in late June 2026. The contract execution and integration with the awarded vendor are expected in July/August 2026. The procurement department reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities if deemed in the university's best interest.

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