Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified service provider to implement a comprehensive Digital Mental Health and Wellness Platform for students at the University of Pretoria. The platform aims to deliver innovative, accessible, and proactive mental health support, incorporating real-time analytics and insights to inform university leadership and enhance student wellbeing.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Development and deployment of a digital platform accessible via desktop and mobile devices.
• Provision of personalized support, self-guided resources, coaching modules, and wellbeing policy tools.
• Implementation of AI-driven features such as chatbots, triage, and action plans.
• Support for sessions, closed student groups, and integration with crisis management protocols.
• Ensuring compliance with SOC2 Type II, HIPAA, GDPR, and other relevant standards.
• Provision of additional tools related to fitness, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.
• Formation of a multidisciplinary team with expertise in digital health, AI, and mental health, including clinical professionals and technical specialists.
• Support and maintenance services, including 24/7 multilingual support and crisis escalation pathways.
• Integration with existing university systems and ongoing scalability and enhancement of the platform.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements specify that the platform must:

• Be accessible via desktop and mobile devices (iOS, Android, web).
• Include AI functionalities such as chatbots, natural language processing, and machine learning for personalized support.
• Support real-time analytics dashboards, predictive trends, and anonymized reporting capabilities.
• Ensure data privacy and security compliance (POPIA, GDPR, HIPAA).
• Provide seamless integration with UP’s existing IT infrastructure, authentication protocols, and learning management systems.
• Offer multilingual support and an inclusive, user-friendly interface.
• Include crisis management features such as triage, escalation protocols, and live chat support with clinical and technical teams.

Skills Requirements

The tenderer must demonstrate the capacity to deliver the project through a team possessing:

• Digital Health and Technology Expertise: Professionals with experience in designing, deploying, and optimizing digital health platforms, AI, machine learning, and chatbot development. Qualifications in IT, Computer Science, or related fields with at least five years of applied experience.
• Clinical and Mental Health Expertise: Registered clinical psychologists, counselors, or mental health professionals with experience in student mental health, trauma counseling, resilience training, and crisis management. Registration with relevant statutory bodies (e.g., HPCSA).
• Crisis Management Skills: Trained specialists capable of managing high-risk cases, with clear protocols for escalation and confidentiality.
• Support and Accessibility Skills: 24/7 multilingual technical and clinical support staff, administrative personnel trained in data protection and referral processes.
• Project Management and Governance: A project manager with at least ten years’ experience in large-scale digital health projects, capable of overseeing implementation, reporting, and collaboration with university stakeholders.
• Diversity and Inclusion: A team reflecting the university’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, with a preference for employment equity candidates.
• Capacity and Proven Experience: Demonstrable experience in delivering similar digital health solutions, with references, CVs, and evidence of ongoing professional development.