NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A CONTRACT WITHOUT ENGAGING IN A STANDARD

PROCUREMENT PROCESS

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is publishing this notice in accordance with the Utah Procurement Code and intends to award a contract without engaging in a standard procurement process if it is determined by the procurement official, in writing, that:

1. There is only one source for the procurement item;

2. Transitional costs are a significant consideration in selecting a procurement item and the transitional costs are unreasonable or cost-prohibitive; or

3. The award of a contract is under circumstances, described in rules adopted by the board, that make awarding the contract through a standard procurement process impractical and not in the best interest of USBE.

USBE’s justification for awarding a contract without engaging in standard procurement process is set forth below.

Determination of Other Interested Vendors

The intent of this notice is to determine if there are any other interested and qualified vendors that meet the specifications included in this notice. Any such vendors wishing to challenge the proposed award of a contract must submit to the purchasing agent identified in this notice the following information:

• The name of the contesting person; and

• A detailed explanation of the challenge, including documentation showing that there are other competing sources for the procurement item.

In addition, a vendor should include, as applicable:

• Documentation that your firm can provide a comparable or better procurement item that meets or exceeds the specifications;

• Documentation that your firm can also provide the same proprietary procurement item or an equivalent procurement item; and

• If transitional costs are identified as the justification for this notice, a comparison of the transitional costs identified in this notice against your firm’s anticipated transitional costs.

Regardless of any prior communications with USBE, all vendors interested in responding to this notice must submit a response to this posting containing complete responses to all of the information requested above.

ALL CHALLENGES TO THE PROPOSED CONTRACT AWARD MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE UTAH

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT PLACE SUPPLIER PORTAL, and any questions regarding this notice, including requests for additional information, must be submitted through the Supplier Portal during the public notice period. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, INVITATION FOR BIDS, OR REQUEST FOR QUOTES. No action is required if you have no objections to the proposed award.

If, after the public notice period has passed, the procurement official determines that there are other interested and qualified vendors that meet the specifications of this notice, USBE will not award a contract pursuant to this notice;

otherwise, if no valid challenges are received, then USBE may award a contract to the identified vendor without engaging in a standard procurement process.

Please read the entire form very carefully before responding to this notice.

Scope of the Proposed Contract

It is anticipated that this procurement will result in a:

RESULT ACTION

☐ USBE Contract The term of this contract (or extension) will be:

Renewal options:.

USBE may not make the procurement until the solicitation process is completed and a contract is written and signed by the vendor, and USBE.

☐ Purchase Order One-time purchase or ≤ 1 year USBE may not make the procurement until the solicitation process is completed, the purchase order is signed by USBE and delivered to the vendor.

Description of procurement item to be purchased:

Estimated value of the contract/purchase order/increase:

Freight Cost (F.O.B.

Destination, Freight Prepaid):

Vendor Name:

Detailed Description of Procurement Item (additional information included in attached Scope of Work):

Justification for Award (select ONE option):

☐ Sole Source - There is only one source for the procurement item. Complete Section A

Transitional Costs - Transitional costs are a significant consideration in selecting a procurement item and the results of a cost-benefit analysis demonstrate that transitional costs are unreasonable or cost-prohibitive, and that the award of a contract without engaging in a standard procurement process is in the best interest of the procurement unit.

Complete Section B

Impracticality - The award of a contract is under circumstances, described in rules adopted by the board, that make awarding the contract through a standard procurement process impractical and not in the best interest of USBE.

Complete Section C

Trial use contract for a new or innovative procurement item, or for a procurement item with a novel or unproven use or application.

Complete Section D

Extension of a contract without engaging in a standard procurement process. If extension will result in a request to increase the contract total, complete Section F below as well.

Complete Section E

☐ Request to increase total contract amount. Complete Section F

4-BrailleNote EVOLVE 32 1- BrailleNote EVOLVE QT 32 QWERTY 2- Explore 8 Portable CCTV 3- Magnilink Zip 13" 3-Magnilink Zip HDMI/USB Connection Board 3-Magnilink Zip Battery 4- Magnilink Zip Power Supply Adapter

$48,543.00

$530.00

Sterling Adaptives

HumanWare BrailleNote EVOLVE (4 EVOLVE 32, 1 EVOLVE QT32): 32-cell refreshable braille computers running Android with KeySoft accessibility software for classroom note-taking and coursework.

HumanWare Explore 8 (2 units): 8-inch portable handheld electronic video magnifiers for reading near text and distance viewing.

LVI MagniLink ZIP 13" Systems (3 units): Foldable, portable 1080p desktop video magnifiers with integrated 13" monitors, accompanied by 3 rechargeable batteries, 3 HDMI/USB connection boards, 4 AC power adapters, and manufacturer warranty coverage.

SECTION A: ONLY ONE SOURCE

1. What is unique about this procurement item to justify an award of contract without engaging in a standard procurement process? (Explain in detail why the service or product is only available from a single supplier.)

2. Could the procurement item be reasonably modified to allow for competition? (Explain why or why not.)

3. Detailed description of the market research performed to identify similar or alternate procurement items.

List term(s) and results used in searching the Internet and other research conducted to complete market search.

4. Is the requested procurement item available on an existing state cooperative contract? List search term(s) and results of a state cooperative contract search (https://statecontracts.utah.gov/Home/Search).

5. If there is only one source for the procurement item, list the names of other similar vendors contacted, contact person, and a summary of their response, The requested HumanWare BrailleNote EVOLVE units, Explore 8 magnifiers, and LVI MagniLink ZIP systems feature proprietary software and hardware integrations determined by the Assistive Technology department to be essential and non-substitutable for our students' instructional access. Crucially, standard competition is precluded because both manufacturers maintain exclusive regional distribution agreements:

HumanWare has designated Sterling Adaptives as their solitary authorized distributor in Utah, and LVI America has designated Sterling Adaptives as the exclusive sole-source provider and technical service center for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Because no other vendor holds the contractual authority to sell, warranty, or service these proprietary devices within the state, Sterling Adaptives is the sole source for this procurement.

No. The devices require specific proprietary hardware and software integrations essential to our students' educational needs that generic alternatives cannot fulfill. Furthermore, manufacturers HumanWare and LVI America enforce strict territorial agreements naming Sterling Adaptives their exclusive authorized distributor and service provider in Utah, precluding any outside vendor competition regardless of specification changes.

The AT department evaluated braille notetakers and portable magnifiers by reviewing industry specifications and vendor availability. Search Terms: "Braille notetaker Android OS," "MagniLink Zip 13," and "HumanWare authorized dealer Utah". Results: Competing devices lacked the necessary OS lifecycle support, processing speed, and trade-in value. Direct manufacturer confirmation from HumanWare and LVI America verified that Sterling Adaptives is their exclusive, sole authorized distributor in Utah.

No

Sweetman Systems (Sales Dept / Sue Sweetman): Confirmed they cannot sell or service HumanWare or LVI America products in Utah due to manufacturer territorial agreements.

Dot Inc. (Sales / Customer Support): Does not supply or service the required HumanWare or LVI MagniLink systems, and directs regional fulfillment through authorized partner networks.

SECTION B: SIGNIFICANT TRANSITIONAL COSTS

1. Describe the existing equipment, technology, software, accessories, replacement parts, or service, hereafter referred to as equipment; include the original purchase price and date of purchase for the existing equipment.

Method of procuring the existing procurement item:

Solicitation number: Existing contract number:

Original purchase date: Original purchase price: $

2. Attach the cost-benefit analysis, as required by Utah Code Section 63G-6a-802, that demonstrates that transitional costs are unreasonable or cost-prohibitive.

SECTION C: STANDARD PROCUREMENT PROCESS IMPRACTICAL

1. Circumstances that make awarding a contract through a standard procurement process impractical and not in the best interest of USBE. Choose ONE that best describes the circumstances:

☐ A contract award to a specific supplier, service provider, or contractor is a condition of a donation or grant that will fund the full cost of the supply, service, or construction item

☐ Public utility services, when only one public utility service is available in an area ☐ An item where compatibility is the overriding consideration ☐ A used procurement item that presents a unique, specialized, or time-limited buying opportunity ☐ Other circumstances determined by the procurement official to make awarding a contract through a standard procurement process impractical and not in the best interest of USBE

2. Review R33-108-101c and provide supporting justification why awarding the contract through a standard procurement process is impractical and not in the best interest of USBE under the circumstances;

including any supporting documentation.

3. Supply the following, if applicable:

Method of procuring the existing procurement item:

Solicitation number: Existing contract number:

Original purchase date: Original purchase price: $

SECTION D: TRIAL USE CONTRACT

1. Describe how this trial use contract for the new or novel procurement item will benefit USBE.

2. Describe how the procurement item is new or innovative, or how the procurement item has a proposed use/application that is novel or unproven.

3. Describe why a trial use contract exception is necessary for this procurement item at this time as opposed to conducting a standard procurement process to procure the procurement item.

4. What research have you conducted to ensure the requested procurement item is not available on an existing state cooperative contract?

5. How long does the agency need to test the procurement item and what quantities of the procurement item (if applicable) will be necessary to test this procurement item? Note trial use contracts generally cannot exceed a period of 24 months.

SECTION E: EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITHOUT ENGAGING IN A STANDARD

PROCUREMENT PROCESS

The procurement official may extend a contract up to 120 days. For extensions beyond 120 days, the procurement official may extend the contract after consulting with legal counsel.

Contract Start Date: Current End Date:

Proposed End Date: Contract Number:

1. Has this contract previously been extended?

☐ No ☐ Yes, this contract was previously extended for ________ days.

2. Is this request for a contract extension the result of a protest, appeal, or court action? If yes, items 3-5 below do not need to be completed. Provide the solicitation number that resulted in a protest and date of the protest, appeal, or court action.

3. Is USBE currently engaged in a standard procurement process for the procurement item that is the subject of the contract extension request?

☐ Yes ☐ No, USBE is letting the contract expire and will not be re-soliciting for a procurement item that is the subject of the contract extension request.

4. Describe why extending this contract without engaging in a standard procurement process is necessary to avoid a lapse in a critical government service, OR to mitigate a circumstance that is likely to have a negative impact on public health, safety, welfare, or property.

5. Justification for Extension (check all that apply):

☐ The standard procurement process is delayed due to an unintentional error.

☐ A change in an industry standard requires one or more significant changes to specifications for the procurement item.

☐ To prevent the loss of federal funds ☐ To mitigate the effects of a delay of a state or federal appropriation.

☐ To enable the procurement unit to continue to receive a procurement item during a delay in the implementation of a contract awarded pursuant to a procurement that has already been conducted.

☐ To enable the procurement unit to continue to receive a procurement item during a period of time during which negotiations with a vendor under a new contract for the procurement item are being conducted.

5. For the selection(s) above, provide any additional details regarding the circumstances justifying a contract extension.

SECTION F: REQUEST TO INCREASE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT

Public notice not normally required, UNLESS: If the original solicitation type was an ACWESPP (e.g., sole source) and the additional amount will make the contract total go above $50,000, then a public notice is required to increase the contract total. This public notice is not necessary if the procurement official waives the public notice requirement in accordance with R33-108-101e.

Contractor Name: Contract Number:

Original Contract Total: Current Contract Total:

Proposed Contract Total: % Increase from Original:

Solicitation Number: Solicitation Type:

Product or Service Description:

1. Why is the contract total being increased? Check all that apply.

☐ The term of the contract is being extended (also complete Section E above if extending).

☐ The quantity of products or services needed has increased.

☐ The price, rate, or fee for a product or service has increased.

☐ A new or upgraded product or service is needed.

2. Provide details for the answer that was selected in the previous question that justify an increase in the total contract amount.

LVI America, Inc.

302 Saunders Road Suite 200 Riverwoods, IL 60015

888 781-7811 info@lviamerica.com www.lviamerica.com

Sole Source April 20, 2026

Sterling Adaptives, LLC

541 Farmers Lane Santa Rosa, CA 95405

To whom it may concern:

This letter confirms that Sterling Adaptives, LLC is the sole source provider for LVI (Low

Vision International) products including, but not limited to, the MagniLink S, Zip, TAB, iTAB, WifiCam, Voice, Vision, One, and Air products as well as insidevision Braille computers, Dolphin Computer Access SuperNova software, and TiPY one-handed keyboards for Utah

School for the Deaf and Blind.

LVI America works closely with Sterling Adaptives, LLC to provide all customers with superior magnification devices and support for the visually impaired.

Sterling Adaptives, LLC has the responsibility to promote, distribute, sell, and offer first line technical assistance for LVI products.

This letter is valid until December31, 2026.

Best Regards, Cheryl Saucier

Sales Director of North America

LVI America, Inc.

423-763-7118 mailto:info@lviamerica.com http://www.lviamerica.com/

September 14th, 2026

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter confirms that effective October 1st, “Sterling Adaptives” will be the solitary contractual, authorized distribution partner for the state of Utah representing the following HumanWare products.

Brailliant BI 40 x Brailliant BI 20 x BrailleNote Evolve 32 BrailleNote Evolve 20 BrailleNote Evolve QWERTY 40 Romeo 60 embosser Juliet 120 embosser Index Basic DV embosser Everest embosser Fan Fold embosser Braille Box embosser Prodigi Connect 12 Explore 12” magnifier Reveal 16i for Windows magnifier Reveal 16 Foldable Magnifier Prodigi for Windows Software (all configurations) Monarch Tactile Tablet

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Regards, Kevin Hughes West Region Manager

HumanWare

800-722-3393 EXT 260

Terms and Conditions: This quotation is valid for 30 days. Prices are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to tariffs, supply shortages, or other Force Majeure events. Shipping and handling charges are based on FedEx or UPS Ground service, or delivery via our own vehicle, and may include freight-in costs. Payment terms are Net 30 days from the invoice date.

Items sold may have a limited money-back guarantee (conditions apply). All software, computer systems, and furniture orders are non-refundable. Please contact us for a full copy of our return policy. Errors and omissions excepted.

QUOTATION

Sterling Reference

9/23/2026Date

Bill To Address:

28845 To Whom it May Concern

Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind 742 S Harrison Blvd Ogden UT 84404 Contact TEANNA TIMMIN

Client Name USDB

Total:

Sub Total:

Sales Tax: (0.0%)

541 FARMERS LANE | SANTA ROSA | CA | 95405

Phone 415 878 2922 | Fax 877 878 2915 | WWW.STERLINGADAPTIVES.COM

Sterling Adaptives is an approved Cal-ATSD Vendor for the State of California Small Business Number #47508 | Expiry 02/28/2028 | Reseller #SRJH-100 929820 Lesley Ann Gibbons, Director

Email Purchase Orders to orders@sterlingadaptives.com Purchase Orders MUST include Sterling Quote Number

DescriptionQty Price BrailleNote EVOLVE 32 (includes 1-year warranty) Item #: FGBE-0001 MSRP: $6,199.00 | Trade-In Credit: -$1,000 per BrailleNote Touch Plus 32 = $5199.00/each TRADE IN UNITS: *Verified by HumanWare: 650500006219 | 650400000299 | 650500001265 | 650400000961 | 650400000959

- RMA number, shipping label and shipping instructions will be provided.

- The trade-in unit must be returned within 5–7 business days of receipt of the new Evolve unit.

- If the trade-in unit is not returned within 30 days of receipt of the new device, the trade-in credit will be void and the school will be invoiced for the full price.

4 20,796.00

BrailleNote EVOLVE QT32 QWERTY - 16GB version MSRP: $6699 | DISCOUNTED PRICE $6199/each

1 6,199.00

Explore 8 Portable CCTV #FGEX-1016 MSRP $1299/each2 2,440.00

Shipping Fee for Humanware products1 250.00

**STERLING IS THE SOLE AUTHORIZED HUMANWARE DEALER IN STATE OF UTAH - October 1, 2026* MagniLink ZIP Full HD 1080p, 13” integrated monitor and carrying case #MLZ-FHD13-US

UNIT MSRP $3,325.00 | DISCOUNTED UNIT PRICE $3,125.00

3 9,375.00

LVI MagniLink ZIP Battery #MLZ OPTION B

UNIT MSRP $300 | DISCOUNTED UNIT PRICE $270.00

3 810.00

LVI MagniLink ZIP HDMI/USB connection board OPTION C

UNIT MSRP $300 | DISCOUNTED UNIT PRICE $270.00

3 810.00

MLZ-B103 Power Supply AC Adapter for MagniLink Zip

UNIT MSRP $59.00

4 236.00

LVI MagniLink ZIP Warranty: The MagniLink ZIP includes a standard 2-year manufacturer warranty.

- Sterling Adaptives / LVI is providing an additional 1-year warranty at no cost, for a total of 3 years coverage.

- An optional 2-year extended warranty is available, bringing total coverage to 5 years (parts warranty).

Extended Warranty (2-Year): MSRP $599 per unit

3 1,797.00

Shipping Fee for LVI America Products1 255.00

**STERLING IS THE SOLE AUTHORIZED LVI AMERICA DEALER IN STATE OF UTAH*

Terms and Conditions: This quotation is valid for 30 days. Prices are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to tariffs, supply shortages, or other Force Majeure events. Shipping and handling charges are based on FedEx or UPS Ground service, or delivery via our own vehicle, and may include freight-in costs. Payment terms are Net 30 days from the invoice date.

Items sold may have a limited money-back guarantee (conditions apply). All software, computer systems, and furniture orders are non-refundable. Please contact us for a full copy of our return policy. Errors and omissions excepted.

QUOTATION

Sterling Reference

9/23/2026Date

Bill To Address:

28845 To Whom it May Concern

Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind 742 S Harrison Blvd Ogden UT 84404 Contact TEANNA TIMMIN

Client Name USDB

Total:

Sub Total:

Sales Tax: (0.0%)

541 FARMERS LANE | SANTA ROSA | CA | 95405

Phone 415 878 2922 | Fax 877 878 2915 | WWW.STERLINGADAPTIVES.COM

Sterling Adaptives is an approved Cal-ATSD Vendor for the State of California Small Business Number #47508 | Expiry 02/28/2028 | Reseller #SRJH-100 929820 Lesley Ann Gibbons, Director

Email Purchase Orders to orders@sterlingadaptives.com Purchase Orders MUST include Sterling Quote Number

DescriptionQty Price Dot Pad Braille Display #DOTPAD

UNIT MSRP $5900 | DISCOUNTED PRICE $5,550.00

1 5,550.00

Shipping Fee for Dot Pad Products1 25.00

$48,543.00

$48,543.00

$0.00