Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Commonwealth) issues this Request for Information (RFI) to solicit information that will be used to assist with the development of a solicitation for the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS), the Professional Educator Records Management System (PERMS), Act 48 Appeals System (A48APPS) replacement system which may be released by the Commonwealth in the near future. Subsequently, PDE must integrate the functionality of PERMS with TIMS. The final component will be to integrate the A48Apps into the previous two applications. PDE seeks a realistic evaluation of time and costs to develop all three applications. The goal will be to develop these applications in phases. PIMS is a statewide system that manages, analyzes, and uses individual data of each student served by Pennsylvania's Pre-K through grade 12 public education system. PIMS is used by PDE and LEAs. This interface to PIMS provides educator work experience information submitted by LEAs into PIMS. Create a system that is fully functional with current technology and technology applications and is adaptable. Fully automate the application process meaning the applicant will have greater control of the application process and be able to complete the process fully online. Provide educators a means whereby they can track their educational progress for both validity and Act 48/45PIL purposes. Provide a simple, easy to use secure system for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to use to track employee records, validity, and active status, and to complete secure transactions related to applications and personnel requirements. Provide a simple easy to use secure system for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to use to complete transactions related to applications. Provide a simple, easy to use secure system for approved providers to use to upload professional development credits. Provide a simple, easy to use secure system for PDE certification staff to use to assist in application processing, update, or revise information as necessary, to communicate with applicant and produce timely notifications and to run reports as required. Provide a simple easy to use and secure system for PDE legal to use to complete educator appeal activities including reporting, tracking and notifications. Provide a simple easy to use secure system for the general public including other agencies to access public information related to educator certification. Provide for capacity to upgrade the system as technology advances.
