Negotiations set on Web training deal

FAYETTEVILLE — Educational technology company EverFi will begin negotiations with the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville on a new deal to offer online training to students on topics such as the prevention of sexual assault and alcohol abuse.

EverFi, based in Washington, D.C., already provides an online course on sexual assault, Haven, required for new UA students. About 7,000 students took the training this past fall, UA spokesman Steve Voorhies said.

UA online student training AlcoholEdu, required for incoming students, is also already provided by EverFi, as well as a financial literacy program called Transit. A version of EverFi’s online sexual assault training is voluntary for UA faculty and staff, Voorhies said.

UA has paid EverFi $38,950 annually for four years to provide the online programs and training in using them, Voorhies said.

The university sought bids beginning in January for online prevention and compliance training on topics “including student training for primary sexual assault prevention, annual ongoing sexual assault prevention, primary alcohol and substance abuse prevention, alcohol sanctioning, and prescription drug abuse prevention,” according to a request for proposals.

A Wednesday intent-toaward letter from UA states negotiations will begin with the goal of a purchase order or contract.