In a request for proposal (RFP) released July 1, the University of California (UC) calls on “qualified and responsible suppliers” as it looks for a “value-added reseller (VAR)” of Microsoft, Adobe and other software in accordance with state and federal laws and capable of meeting the university system’s requirements. Among the takeaways:
- The UC, which encompasses 10 campuses, six academic health centers, four law schools, a statewide Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and involvement in running three national laboratories, seeks a VAR that is an “authorized Microsoft (MS) Licensing Solution Provider (LSP) who will manage the UC System Campus and School Agreement (CASA) and the underlying Enrollments for Education Solutions (EES) volume licensing program between UC and Microsoft,” according to the RFP. It also seeks a VAR that is an “authorized Adobe Gold or Platinum partner offering (enterprise term license agreement) ETLA and VIP licensing programs through the underlying agreement between UC and Adobe” and is an “authorized reseller for Micro Focus, Netskope and Spirion.” The VAR chosen must help the UC obtain the best, highest quality, most cost-effective goods and services. Qualified suppliers are sought with the intent of forging a business alliance “that will maximize the resources of both organizations to meet the needs of UC most effectively.”
- The VAR chosen must “coordinate in a highly distributed environment” the UC’s annual systemwide Microsoft agreement renewal “aggregating all MS licenses in use at all UC locations.” It must also “coordinate in a highly distributed environment” the UC’s annual systemwide “Adobe ETLA and (value incentive plan) VIP licenses in use at all UC locations”; and “fulfill software for those (original equipment manufacturers) OEMs” with a direct relationship with the university system, including Micro Focus, Netskope and Spirion.
- Minimum mandatory supplier qualifications are being a “Microsoft Licensing Solution Provider that will manage the underlying Microsoft Enrollments for EES volume licensing program” and being an authorized Adobe Platinum or Gold reseller. Suppliers with these qualifications must “acknowledge and agree” to all RFP requirements in the guidelines area of CalUsource before they can advance in the RFP process. Finalists will be picked based on the “quality and responsiveness” of their written proposals. Suppliers will be asked to do a virtual presentation to show their ability to provide the requested services; and if these presentations are done, the UC will consider them when evaluating respondents.
- The contract term is five years with the option of one five-year extension at the UC’s discretion, for a maximum term of 10 years. The contract’s precise value is not stated but historically, according to the RFP, the UC’s annual systemwide spend for the software covered in this RFP has been at least $28 million. The RFP has no “minimum or maximum guarantees.” Three pre-proposal conferences are set for 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. July 12, 13 and 14. The written supplier questions and clarifications period will be July 2-27. UC responses to supplier questions will come Aug. 2. Responses are due before 5 p.m. on Aug. 8.
