Licensing SOI - Computer Based Testing

The New York State (NYS) Department of State (DOS) Division of Licensing Services (DLS) seeks to solicit qualified interest in providing administration, scoring, analysis, and results distribution of remotely proctored online and in-person computer-based professional examinations for Appearance Enhancement written license candidates.

BACKGROUND:

DOS is responsible for the examination of approximately 15,000 appearance enhancement written examinations annually. Appearance enhancement includes cosmetology, esthetics, nail specialty, natural hair styling and waxing licenses. Content specific examinations developed by DOS are used for each, reflecting the scope of practice for each license type. Current written examinations are paper-based, multiple-choice tests occurring regularly at up to 11 sites throughout NYS. Exams are scheduled based on demand at each site. Each site is proctored by personnel hired directly by DOS.

DOS is requesting Statements of Interest (SOI’s) from organizations interested in contracting with NYS to provide remote and in person computer-based testing services for license candidates.

Scope of work will include:

• Full cost for computer-based testing services to be paid directly to the provider by the examinee. DOS would continue to administer and offer paper-based exams concurrently throughout NYS.
• Registration, fee collection, scheduling, administration, proctoring, scoring, analysis and score reporting of licensing examinations.
• Offer exams developed and translated by DOS in multiple languages.
• Provide results to DOS in Excel or CSV format (alternative formats may be acceptable but will require prior DOS approval).
• Record retention of testing for a period of 6 years.

DOS is proposing a cost structure where the winning vendor will develop the computer-based testing service and make it available to examinees at no cost to the State. The vendor will then charge examinees to utilize the system, whether in person or remote, statutorily mandated exam fees will be transferred to DOS, and the vendor’s additional fee for using its system will be entirely retained by the vendor. This solicitation of interest serves to determine if this structure is feasible and acceptable to potential proposers.

Minimum Qualifications:
Any for-profit entity with at least 5 years’ experience providing services listed in the scope of work.  Interested organizations should have established systems that will integrate with current DOS examination content to be offered (scheduled/continuously/on demand) to registered individuals qualified for examinations.

Questions and Answers:
Questions and requests for clarification regarding this SOI shall only be directed to dos.sm.procurement@dos.ny.gov. Communications are only accepted via email, or in writing, and must be submitted by June 30, 2025. Official answers to the questions will be posted on the DOS website at https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities July 11, 2025.

HOW TO SUBMIT:

Please submit a Statement of Interest to dos.sm.procurement@dos.ny.gov no later than July 25, 2025. The statement of interest should include:

• Organization Name and Address
• Confirmation of the organization’s ability/willingness to provide (including through partnerships with other organizations) services responsive to all the needs described in the program areas outlined above
• The minimum number of test takers required in a calendar year

DOS is seeking interested organizations to inform on the pool of organizations available and interested in this work. An indication of interest and confirmation that the services can be provided consistent with the descriptions above infers no obligation or commitment of any kind on the part of the State or those organizations responding to this request.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Primary contact:

NYS Department of State

Leah Golby, Contract Management Specialist 2

One Commerce Plaza

99 Washington Avenue

Albany, NY 12231

Ph: 518.474-2754

dos.sm.procurement@dos.ny.gov