In accordance with §11-35-1560 (A) of the SC Consolidated Procurement Code, it is the intent of Winthrop University (Winthrop) to award without competition a sole source contract in accordance with Regulation 19-445.2105 (B) (5) where the item is one of a kind technology that uses a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence to support students using texting as a preferred method of communication. The EdSights product provides a dashboard for individual risk analysis for students based on their responses to texts.

To the best of our knowledge, EdSights is the only retention software in the market that uses SMS chatbots, which is specifically designed to increase retention rates and therefore uses an automated research backed framework to improve student success. The software monitors and measures student risk by performing a comprehensive analysis that focuses on: academic engagement, financial distress, wellness and social engagement to support students 24/7.

In addition to its ability to meet Winthrop University’s requirements, the tool functionality, artificial intelligence, and price-point for this technology is unique in the sector. Student communication through a chatbot is the most cost-effective method available and is executable in the required timeframe.

ESTIMATED VALUE: Estimated $23,700 per year, $71,100 for three (3) years.

ESTIMATED CONTRACT PERIOD:  Three (3) years from date of award.

QUESTIONS/RESPONSES: Shall be addressed to the email address of the Procurement Officer indicated above.

PROTESTS If you are aggrieved in connection with the award of the contract, you may be entitled to protest, but only as provided in Section 11-35-4210. To protest an award, you must (i) submit notice of your intent to protest within five (5) business days of the date the award notice is posted, and (ii) submit your actual protest within fifteen days of the date the award notice is posted. Days are calculated as provided in Section 11-35-310(13). Both protests and notices of intent to protest must be in writing and must be received by the appropriate Chief Procurement Officer within the time provided. The grounds of the protest and the relief requested must be set forth with enough particularity to give notice of the issues to be decided.

Any protest or notice of intent to protest must be addressed to the Chief Procurement Officer, Information Technology Management Office, and submitted in writing (a) by email to: protest-itmo@itmo.sc.gov or

(b) by post or delivery to: 1201 Main Street, Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201.

Unless otherwise suspended or canceled, Winthrop will enter into a contract for these services. Contractor should not perform work on or incur any costs associated with this notice prior to the receipt of a purchase order. Winthrop assumes no liability for any expenses incurred prior to issuance of a purchase order.