DHS USCG-Anthology Reach, or similar, Software as a Service (SaaS)

The USCG sought sources on GSA for a SaaS Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software suite and services to meet needs of USCGA and partners. USCGA utilizes a suite of software to manage the “cadet lifecycle” from initial application to the USCGA, cadet admittance, to eventual graduation and commissioning as an Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

The current software includes programs such as “Connect,” “Apply Yourself,” and “App-Review” in an on-premises solution currently supported by Vantage Point as a reseller of software/intellectual property owned by Anthology Inc. To maintain its mission requirement, USCGA requires services to implement the Reach platform (including transitioning legacy data) while maintaining the current systems until complete implementation.

Following implementation, USCGA requires on-going support for the software including technical help-desk services, branding and marketing customization, cybersecurity patching, and technical administration/engineering. Implementation must be complete within twelve (12) months.

Furthermore, the software suite must: permit all ‘typical’ academic institution functionality (including minimum of federally-mandated records retention of seven (7) years pursuant to the Federal Records Act; be customizable for USCGA experience; comply with cybersecurity requirements (specifically Executive Order 14028); inter-operate with Microsoft Power Platform and Microsoft Entra ID without third party software; be able to integrate data from legacy systems; implementable within twelve (12) months.

Through research of vendors with CRM SaaS services a Sole Source FFP contract was awarded to Blackboard, as the only capable firm with the capacity to successfully perform mission critical services.