Iowa State University Ionwave #RFQ-1001488 Addendum 3

Iowa State University Mass Email Communication Platform Solicitation

Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) is seeking proposals for a unified, enterprise-wide mass email and digital communications platform to centralize campus communications. - Government Buyer: - Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU), Ames, IA - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs named; current platforms referenced include MailChimp and Constant Contact - Products/Services Requested: - Mass Email Communication Platform - Must support approximately 75 departments at launch - Annual email volume: 40 million - Advanced deliverability: 98%+ inbox placement - Robust branding, template controls, and role-based access - Audience segmentation, mail-merge, analytics, and reporting - Integration with Microsoft Entra ID (SSO), Workday (student/HR data) - Migration support from MailChimp and Constant Contact - Flexible billing (preferably per department) - Tiered pricing for three- and five-year terms, with optional one-year extensions - Implementation and Migration Services - Includes migration of contact lists, templates, analytics, and training/support - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with FERPA, CAN-SPAM, and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards - Support for DKIM/SPF authentication, API/webhook integrations - HECVAT Lite security assessment, insurance documentation, and VPAT for accessibility - References from higher education institutions strongly preferred - Detailed per-department usage and cost reporting - Escalators for optional years ideally 5% or less or tied to CPI index - The opportunity is open to all qualified vendors with experience in higher education digital communications platforms.

Description

Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) is soliciting proposals from qualified vendors to provide a unified, enterprise-wide mass email and digital communications platform. The platform should centralize mass email communications, standardize branding and governance, improve deliverability and analytics, reduce costs by consolidating tools, and allow configurable autonomy for departments. It must integrate with ISU identity systems, CRM platforms, and student information systems, and comply with FERPA, CAN-SPAM, accessibility standards, and institutional data policies. Vendors should demonstrate experience with higher education institutions, proven deliverability, strong references, and product stability.

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