About this opportunity
AI summaryDecide DeKalb Development Authority requires a software-as-a-service platform to manage applications and closings for the HomeStart Downpayment Assistance Program. The solution must feature version-controlled rules, configurable funding rounds, administrator-managed forms and checklists, automated notifications, WAF protection, and offsite hosting. Additionally, the system must support public, applicant, and lender portals with bilingual English and Spanish access adhering to WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards. Eligibility is restricted to onshore USA organizations. Interested vendors must submit their proposals digitally via email or online by November 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST, following the November 11, 2026 deadline for questions. Proposals are scored on criteria including User Experience and Accessibility (25%), Public Program Experience (10%), and Cost Proposal (3%). Decide DeKalb will evaluate pricing against a $50,000 annual recurring-cost ceiling alongside potential demonstrations, interviews, and reference checks.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Decide DeKalb Development Authority
Scope of work
- Design, configure, implement, host, maintain, support, and update a secure custom SaaS platform
- Public program portal and applicant portal with mobile-responsive, bilingual, and accessible interfaces
- Lender portal for registration, agreement tracking, borrower submission, and closing coordination
- Limited file-specific access portal for authorized closing attorneys and title agents
- Administrative and oversight access with configurable role-based controls and reviewer worksheets
- Program configuration, rules engine, pre-screening, application intake, and dynamic document management
- Automated income, eligibility, affordability, and underwriting calculations
- Funding reservation, closing and disbursement coordination, reporting, analytics, and nonproprietary data export
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| User Experience & Accessibility | 25% |
| Public Program Experience | 10% |
| Cost Proposal | 3% |
Minimum qualifications
- Pass/fail satisfaction of mandatory minimum security qualification (SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, SIG assessment, CAIQ, or equivalent independent assessment)
- Experience implementing platforms for down payment assistance programs
- Ability to deliver English and Spanish applicant-facing functionality and WCAG 2.1 accessibility
- Salesforce-based solutions will not be accepted
Documents to include with your response
- Executive summary and signed transmittal letter
- Mandatory minimum security qualification documentation
- Comparable DPA implementation experience documentation
- Detailed technical and functional response using Appendix A
- User experience, bilingual access, mobile responsiveness, and accessibility approach
- Completed Pricing Schedule / Cost Proposal
Key dates
- Issued
- November 5, 2026
- Written requests for clarifications due
- November 11, 2026
- Responses due
- November 19, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic submission via online submission form
- Instructions
- Submit as one PDF document via the designated submission form; maximum 20 pages total excluding resumes. Contact Ife Jacobs for submission issues.
Contract details
- Estimated value
- Annual SaaS subscription and recurring platform cost may not exceed $50,000 per year
- Place of performance
- DeKalb County, Georgia / Offsite
- Insurance and bonding
- Final insurance limits and cyber liability requirements are addressed in the solicitation and contract; exceptions must be identified in proposal.
- Funding
- DeKalb County Housing Investment Programs (HIP)