Bid guide
How to bid on Academic Versions of Operational Software for AEA Purchasing
What AEA Purchasing is buying
AEA Purchasing is seeking competitive pricing for academic versions of operational software. This includes products from Microsoft, Adobe, Google Workspace for Education Plus, VMware, and AutoCAD, among others. The goal is to establish a comprehensive procurement program.
This program will serve Iowa's Area Education Agencies, accredited public and non-public schools, and other eligible academic organizations. The purpose is to combine the purchasing power of Iowa schools to offer aggressive pricing on materials, goods, and services.
Key dates and deadlines
The bid documents are scheduled for release on Monday, September 14, 2026. All bids must be submitted by Monday, October 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. This is equivalent to 10:50 AM ET.
It is important to submit your response before the deadline, as late submissions are typically not accepted. Plan to finalize and submit your bid well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for technology firms that can provide academic versions of operational software from major vendors like Microsoft, Adobe, Google, VMware, and AutoCAD. Vendors should be capable of offering competitive pricing for a large-scale educational purchasing program.
The program will serve a wide range of educational entities in Iowa, including K-12 public and non-public school districts, and other academic-related organizations. Experience with large-scale software licensing and distribution to educational institutions would be beneficial.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the solicitation, click the "View original source" link. This will open the RFP on Iowa's Bid Opportunities portal. You do not need an account to view the posting and its associated documents.
Bid documents and responses are managed through the Public Purchase Electronic Bid System. There is no cost to register in Public Purchase to view and download the documents. Submit your response as directed in the posting before the deadline.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Carefully review all sections of the RFP once the documents are released on September 14, 2026. Pay close attention to the specific software products requested and any volume requirements or service level agreements.
Highlight your firm's experience in providing software to educational institutions and your ability to offer aggressive pricing. Clearly outline your proposed pricing structure and any value-added services you can provide. Ensure your submission is complete and addresses all requirements specified in the RFP.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from AEA Purchasing; the original posting controls.