On October 28, 2021, the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) published a public solicitation for End User Computing & Peripherals, Device Lifecycle Management, and Associated Services MHEC-RFP-10282021.
Nine proposals were received on the December 14, 2021, due date. The selection committee scored each of the proposals based on best value according to the evaluation criteria stated in the request for proposal and proposals were short-listed to six finalists. In addition to the written submission, all finalists were required to present their proposed solution with the selection committee in a virtual respondent’s conference, which took place on January 26, 27, and 28, 2021.
Upon meeting all of the requirements of the request for proposal the selection committee recommended awards to Connection, Dell, HP Inc., and Lenovo (Global and U.S.). Each awarded technology provider proposed their respective full line of OEM and third-party: end user computing and peripherals, device lifecycle management solutions, and associated services. Eligible organizations include higher education (public and private not-for-profit), K-12 districts and schools, and state government; located in the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) compact regions.
The Connection contract (MHEC-12312022) is effective December 31, 2022, through June 30, 2025, and may be renewed for four additional years.
The Dell contract (MHEC-04152022) is effective April 15, 2022, through June 30, 2025, and may be renewed for four additional years.
HP Inc., contract (MHEC-05162022) is effective May 16, 2022, through June 30, 2025, and may be renewed for four additional years.
The Lenovo (United States) Inc., contract (MHEC-06302022) is effective July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025, and may be renewed for four additional years.
The Lenovo Global Technology (United States) Inc., contract (MHEC-09012022) is effective September 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025, and may be renewed for four additional years.
These master agreements are a framework to allow providers to write orders and eligible organizations to acquire products and services through a defined fulfillment channel and a starting point for price. This framework facilitates a direct relationship between the technology provider and institutions with discounted pricing as well as terms and conditions that are better than most institutions can negotiate individually. MHEC’s master agreements are designed to minimize the burden on administrative resources for institutions in the region, saving both time and money. Additionally, it allows both the institution and the provider to focus most of its energy on finding the technology solution that best fits the institution’s needs and negotiating the providers order, instead of creating the contract itself.
To assist with your due diligence, the solicitation documents are provided below. If additional documentation is needed, please contact Nathan Sorensen, director of government contracts.