The Vendor is required to provide for designing and developing a web-based, consolidated portal to help agency staff review and process financial aid applications.
- The product, developed with agile methodology, using responsive design principles, user research, prototyping, and human-centered design, will create a framework for a future complete backend portal for agency staff and eventually replace legacy applications.
- The current system is complicated, interdependent, and relies on obsolete technologies and time-consuming manual processes.
- This includes reviewing, updating, and verifying information using supporting documentation and data from multiple data sources; where possible, streamline and automate processes to help make eligibility determination and reporting easier.
- As an agency support staff, i want to view all student application data, so i can assist with inquiries about application status.
- As an agency admin staff, i want the system to interface with databases, so that application information is updated efficiently.
- As an agency staff, i want all submitted documents to be linked to student accounts in a single dashboard, so i can easily access, review, and process applications without switching between systems.
- As an agency support staff, i want to update student profiles, so i can keep their information current.
- As an agency support staff, i want the ability to review required documents that have been uploaded for applications, so the application can be processed without delays.
- As an agency admin staff, i want intelligent processing to automatically extract and validate data from submitted documents, flagging any missing or unrecognized information, so i can reduce manual data entry and notify students to resubmit.
- As an agency staff, i want to review student appeal and exception requests and supporting documents, so i can determine award eligibility.
- As an agency staff, i want to approve, reject, or request additional information, so i can ensure accurate processing.
- As an agency support staff, i want to send notifications to applicants to update their missing or incorrect information, so information can be updated.
- As an agency staff, i want the system to notify applicants about their application status, so the applicants are informed of next steps.
- As an agency support staff, i want to add and view notes, so i can document decisions and track changes.
- As an agency staff, i want to generate reports based on various pre-defined criteria, so agency i can work efficiently and communicate with relevant stakeholders.
- As an agency staff, i want to search and filter student applications based on various criteria, so i can prioritize work effectively.
- As an agency staff, i want access to training materials, step-by-step guides, and FAQS within the portal, so i can learn how to use the portal effectively.
- As an agency admin staff, i want to be able to view and update the list of colleges in the system, so that it remains accurate and up to date.
- Usability testing and other user research methods are conducted at regular intervals throughout the development process and not just at the beginning or end of the process.
- Deployment from version control of a successful build is automated using ITS standard tooling.
- Contract Period/Term: 1 year