2-CCC RTP Sole Source Memo and Scope 2026-2027.pdf

CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO | STUDENT ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION MEMORANDUM

1. Purpose City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) requests approval to procure athletic training services from RTP Fitness & Recovery on a sole-source basis for the 2026-2027 athletic season. The proposed agreement will provide athletic trainer coverage for approximately 160 home athletic contests across participating CCC colleges at a cost not to exceed $40,000. The services are necessary to support athletic event operations and student-athlete health and safety during intercollegiate athletic competitions.

2. Business Need Athletic training coverage is an important component of CCC's intercollegiate athletics program. Athletic trainers provide injury assessment, emergency response, injury management, preventative care, and coordination with coaches and athletic administrators during athletic events. These services support student-athlete health and safety and help ensure athletic competitions are conducted in a safe and effective manner.

CCC requires athletic training coverage throughout the academic year to support scheduled athletic contests across multiple colleges and athletic programs.

3. Operational Considerations Providing athletic training coverage for athletic competitions requires a provider capable of supporting multiple campuses and athletic programs throughout an athletic season.

In addition to providing athletic training services, a provider must become familiar with athletic schedules, facilities, operational expectations, communication processes, and event coverage requirements. Service continuity is important to ensuring consistent support of athletic operations and student-athlete safety.

Over the past five athletic seasons, RTP Fitness & Recovery has provided athletic training services to CCC and has developed familiarity with CCC athletic programs and operational requirements.

4. Alternatives Considered CCC evaluated multiple approaches to meeting its athletic training needs, including direct employment of athletic trainers, future enhancements to districtwide staffing models, and contracted service arrangements.

CCC continues to evaluate long-term athletic training staffing strategies, including potential modifications to organizational structures, recruitment approaches, and service delivery models. However, these alternatives are not currently available to support the immediate athletic training coverage requirements of the 2026-2027 athletic season.

CCC also considered the operational requirements associated with transitioning services to another provider. A new provider would require time to become familiar with CCC facilities, athletic programs, event schedules, and operational expectations before services could be implemented effectively.

Given the immediate need to ensure uninterrupted athletic training coverage, CCC determined that continuation of services through RTP Fitness & Recovery represents the most practical solution while longer-term staffing strategies continue to be evaluated.

5. Unique Qualifications of the Vendor RTP Fitness & Recovery is owned and operated by Amanda Boulware, who possesses approximately eighteen years of professional athletic training experience. The company specializes in athletic training services and sports injury management.

Additionally, RTP Fitness & Recovery has provided athletic training services to CCC for five consecutive athletic seasons. Through this ongoing service relationship, the company has developed familiarity with CCC athletic programs, facilities, scheduling requirements, and athletic operations.

6. Workforce Availability Considerations CCC has experienced challenges recruiting and hiring qualified athletic trainers through traditional employment channels. As CCC evaluates long-term staffing approaches, maintaining continued athletic training coverage remains necessary to support athletic operations and student-athlete safety.

Utilizing a provider that is already familiar with CCC athletics allows continued service delivery while longer-term solutions are explored and evaluated.

7. Operational Continuity and Risk Mitigation Continuity of athletic training coverage is important to supporting athletic event operations and student-athlete safety.

Transitioning services to a new provider would require onboarding, operational familiarization, and coordination across multiple athletic programs and campuses.

Continuing services through RTP Fitness & Recovery reduces disruption by utilizing a provider already familiar with CCC's athletic programs and operational requirements.

8. Interim Solution While CCC Evaluates Long-Term Staffing Options CCC is currently evaluating long-term approaches to athletic training services, including potential changes to athletic trainer staffing structures, recruitment strategies, and service delivery models.

The proposed agreement serves as an interim operational solution that allows CCC to maintain athletic training coverage while these long-term options are reviewed and assessed.

9. Fair and Reasonable Pricing The proposed agreement provides athletic training services at a rate of $250 per game for an estimated 160 athletic contests, for a total amount not to exceed $40,000.

CCC considers the proposed pricing fair and reasonable based on the specialized nature of athletic training services, the required scope of coverage, and the ability to obtain services on an as-needed basis rather than maintaining dedicated staffing resources solely for contest coverage.

10. Impact if Sole Source Is Not Approved If this sole-source request is not approved, CCC may experience delays in securing athletic training coverage for scheduled athletic contests.

Any interruption or delay in coverage could affect athletic event operations and require additional time to identify, onboard, and implement an alternative service arrangement.

11. Recommendation Based on RTP Fitness & Recovery's five-year history of providing athletic training services to CCC, demonstrated familiarity with CCC athletic operations, and ability to support the immediate athletic training needs of the 2026-2027 athletic season, approval of this sole-source procurement is recommended.

SCOPE OF WORK

Athletic Training Services | 2026-2027 Athletic Season

Purpose City Colleges of Chicago seeks athletic training services to support student-athlete health, safety, injury prevention, and emergency response needs during intercollegiate athletic competitions throughout the 2026-2027 athletic season.

Scope of Services The contractor shall provide licensed and qualified athletic trainers to support CCC athletic programs at scheduled athletic competitions.

On-site athletic trainer coverage for home athletic contests across participating CCC colleges.

Athletic trainer presence beginning at least one hour prior to the first scheduled contest and continuing through the conclusion of athletic activities for the event.

Assessment and evaluation of athletic injuries and illnesses occurring during athletic competitions.

Administration of immediate care within the scope of athletic training practice.

Emergency response and coordination with emergency medical personnel when necessary.

Injury management, treatment recommendations, and referrals for additional medical evaluation and care.

Preventative services, including taping, bracing, stretching, and preparation of student-athletes for competition.

Documentation of significant injuries and incidents occurring during covered events.

Communication and coordination with athletic directors, coaches, officials, and other appropriate personnel regarding injury management and athlete participation.

Maintenance of all required professional certifications, licenses, liability insurance, and compliance requirements necessary to provide athletic training services.

Service Requirements Coverage for approximately 160 home athletic contests during the 2026-2027 athletic season.

Athletic training services shall be provided across participating City Colleges of Chicago athletic programs.

Services shall be delivered in a manner that promotes student-athlete safety, minimizes operational disruptions, and supports efficient athletic event management.

Contractor shall provide qualified personnel necessary to ensure reliable athletic training coverage throughout the athletic season.

Contract Value

Not-to-Exceed Amount $40,000

Rate $250 per athletic contest

Estimated Volume Approximately 160 home athletic contests

Deliverable Provision of athletic training coverage for CCC athletic competitions during the 2026-2027 athletic season in accordance with the agreed-upon schedule and service requirements.