ACP is intended to equip students and their families with the tools necessary to make more informed choices about postsecondary education, training, and careers for life after high school. It is part of DPI's overall vision for every student to graduate high school academically, socially, emotionally, and life ready.
ACP Software Subscription Request for Proposals
Wisconsin Statute 115.28(59) requires DPI to procure, install, and maintain information technology, including computer software, to be used statewide by public school districts to provide academic and career planning services to pupils in grades 6 through 12.
The current contract with Xello, our state’s ACP software provider, expires December 31, 2025. DPI plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP), the process used in soliciting bids for potential business or IT solutions required by a government agency, in May 2025 to identify the vendor that will provide Wisconsin’s ACP software tool beginning in 2026. The new contract could be with Xello or a different vendor depending on the results of the RFP.
Survey Open January 3-17- Students, families/caregivers, and educators working with grades 6-12 at a public school can help inform the requirements for the ACP software tool. Higher education and Industry partners can also provide input by completing this survey between January 3-17, 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is DPI planning to put out a request for proposals for the state ACP software subscription?
The market has changed since 2016 and new vendors are in the marketplace for career development software. In order to compare what all the companies can provide, a Request for Proposal (RFP) process is the best way to evaluate potential new contractors. -
Will our school still have access to Xello for the rest of this school year? What about next year?
Yes. The current Xello contract was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2025, guaranteeing access to Xello for the entire 2024-25 school year. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has been approved to extend the contract through December 31, 2025. If needed for transition purposes, we will be able to extend the contract another six months through June 30, 2026. -
Our organization is interested in bidding on this contract. How can we learn more?
If you are new to Wisconsin procurement, please refer to the following websites with the State Bureau of Procurement for a wealth of information that will answer all your questions:
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Introduction to State Procurement (Suppliers) and https://vendornet.wi.gov/Home.aspx
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eSupplier Portal for Bidders (https://eSupplier.wi.gov). Registration on eSupplier is available free of charge to all businesses and organizations that want to sell to the State. Once you’ve registered and have entered the appropriate NIGP codes, you will begin to receive automatic emails notifying you of new solicitations with State agencies, the University of Wisconsin System and municipalities that match the codes you’ve selected. For detailed registration instructions, see the eSupplier Bidder FAQ Guide.
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Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program Information on how to become certified as a Minority, Woman, and Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (MBE/WBE/DVB), if applicable. There is a pre-certification assessment available to review eligibility and application requirements.
I have questions about the ACP RFP process. Who can I ask?
We welcome questions about this process and encourage you to contact the Department of Administration at doawispro@wisconsin.gov or send an email to ACP_RFP@dpi.wi.gov.
Steps to Get Your Schools Started with ACP
PLAN
ACP Guide, ACP plan-guiding questions
DO
ACP components and infrastructure rubrics, ACP quality reports, CESA ACP coordinators
STUDY
Continuous School Improvement Process, ACP data tools
LEAD to ACT
Develop a school-wide culture of support for student transition to adulthood!
Methods to Get Your Students Ready:
Academic Readiness
- Relevant academics
- Connected sequence of courses
- College credit rigor
College and Career Readiness
- CTE student organizations
- Career-based learning
- Work-based learning
- Industry-recognized certifications
Social/Emotional Readiness
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and employability skills are intertwined: Wisconsin Social and Emotional Learning Competency Crosswalk with Employability Standards
- In the classroom, workplace, and out-of-school-time programs through free-standing lessons, general teaching practices, integration of skill instruction, and guidance to adult stakeholders
- Career-based and work-based learning experiences
