5-Muna Tree Sole Source Justification 8.13.2026 .pdf
PDF 410 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Sole Source Public Review - Study Abroad Kenya
- Solicitation number
- WM2620
- Issued by
- Illinois
About this file
This is a Sole Source Justification Application submitted by City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), specifically Malcolm X College (MXC), requesting a waiver to procure study abroad services from Muna Tree Holdings Ltd without competitive bidding. The MXC Study Abroad Program is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 8, 2027, to February 22, 2027. The project requires a comprehensive service provider to deliver educational programming, housing, food, transportation, guidance, and support for the program participants. The initial contract term is valued at $85,365.00 with no additional renewal options specified. The application was submitted by Donnetta Ramsey on August 3, 2026, and approved by David A. Sanders on August 13, 2026.
The justification for sole sourcing centers on Muna Tree Holdings Ltd (identified as EDU Africa) being the only known provider capable of delivering the specialized services required, including established in-country infrastructure, proven safety record, local partnerships, and comprehensive logistical coordination. CCC has prior experience with this vendor, having contracted with them for similar study abroad programs on three previous occasions: February 2024 ($138,219.17), February-June 2025 ($186,120.00), and February-June 2026 ($91,245.00). The proposed price of $85,365.00 is considered fair and reasonable based on the scope of comprehensive services and the inclusion of support for seven chaperones at no additional cost. Educational funds have been designated for this purchase. Approval signatures from departmental and college leadership, as well as procurement, were obtained by August 24, 2026.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Muna Tree 26 August Announcement.pdf | ||
| 3-Unraveling Heritage in Kenya 7.31.2026.pdf | ||
| 2-Muna Tree Kenya MXC Sole Source Scope of Work.pdf | ||
| 1-Objection template.docx | DOCX document |
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Text version
Sole Source Justification Application
Rev. 9/2025
C I T Y C O L L E G E S O F C H I C A G O
Sole Source Justification Application
Why are you requesting a Sole Source Waiver?
☐Only one known source that can provide the commodity or service. Procurement of public utility services.
☐Compatibility (e.g. CCC requires a specific piece of equipment to be compatible with an existing equipment system).
☐Public safety concerns.
☐Limited or proprietary systems (i.e. additional licenses, updates, specialized replacement parts, etc.).
☐A professional expert is requested.
☐Sales territories or product availability within limited geographic boundaries.
☐Other _______________________________________________________
If your request does not meet any of these criteria, STOP, consult with Procurement services to identify an alternative procurement method.
Name of requestor:
Department/School:
Project title:
Email address:
Contract or Board Report number:
Vendor:
Value of initial term, or if a renewal, value of this renewal $:
(Attach the proposal received)
Number of potential/remaining renewals:
Length of each renewal in months:
Value of all/remaining renewals:$
Actual Estimated
Choose one of the following:
New Sole Source Sole Source renewal Change Order or Amendment to an existing Sole Source
Provide a description of the supplies or services required
Donnetta Ramsey dramsey@ccc.edu
Malcolm X College
MXC Study Abroad Program Kenya 2027 Muna Tree Holdings Ltd
85,365.00
Provide educational programming, housing, food, transportation, guidance and support to 1 country in the continent of Africa. Specifically, Nairobi Kenya traveling Feb 8, 2027, to Feb 22, 2027.
85,365.00
Rev. 9/2025
C I T Y C O L L E G E S O F C H I C A G O
Select the type of funding to be used: Educational Funds Capital Funds Grant Funds
Other (Explain):
This purchase is economically only available from a single source because it is:
Art or Entertainment Services or Athletic Events Compatibility with existing/current equipment, accessories, replacement parts or service Critical changes to the existing contract are necessary and best accomplished by the original contract holder Federal/CCC Grant requires contract with specific vendor
(attach Grant Award Agreement) Item is copyrighted or patented and the item is only available from the holder
Copyright or Patent Number(s):
Items are needed for trial use or testing
Media for advertising
Organization memberships (Dues, fees, conference charges including mandated travel and related expenses)
Public utility regulated services
Radio and television broadcast rights software license/ upgrade/maintenance
Other (Explain):
Has CCC purchased these supplies/services in the past? Yes No
If yes, STARTING WITH THE MOST RECENT CONTRACT AND WORKING BACKWARD, for the entire relationship with this vendor for this supply or service, list each term, value, short description and type of procurement of each:
Term Term From: Term To: Value Description Vendor Selection
One Two
Three Four Five Six
Seven Eight Nine Ten
If more than 10 years, explain:
Provide educational programming, housing, food, transportation , guidance and support to one country in the continent of Africa. Specifically, Nairobi Kenya traveling Feb 8, 2027 to Feb 21, 2027.
2/16/2024 2/16/2024 138,219.17 Service Muna Tree Holdings
2/16/2025 6/30/2025 186,120.00 Service Muna Tree Holdings
2/19/2026 6/30/2026 91,245.00 Service Muna Tree Holdings
Rev. 9/2025
C I T Y C O L L E G E S O F C H I C A G O
Business Rationale
1. Provide a detailed explanation of the need for the supplies or services:
2. What are the unique features of the supplies or services that are not available in any other product or by any other vendor?
Provide specific, quantifiable factors/qualifications:
3. If professional services, what are the unique qualifications the vendor possess?
Provide specific. measureable factors/qualifications:
4. Were alternative supplies or services evaluated? Yes No
a. If yes, what were they and why were they unacceptable? If no, why were alternatives not evaluated? Please be specific with regard to features, characteristics, requirements, capabilities and compatibility:
5. What efforts were made to get the best possible price?
EDU Africa is the only known provider capable of meeting the full requirements of the MXC Study Abroad Program. Due to its extensive experience, established infrastructure, proven track record, and comprehensive network of local partners within the destination country, no other vendor can provide the same level of specialized support and services required for successful program implementation.
Therefore, EDU Africa is the only responsible source available to fulfill the program's needs.
Edu Africa offers unique services and capabilities that are not available from other vendors for the MXC Study Abroad Program. The program requires a provider with established access and extensive experience in the specific host country, a proven record of student safety, and strong familiarity with local conditions. customs, regulations, and service providers. EDU Africa has an established in-country network and the expertise necessary to coordinate and program logistics, including housing, meals, transportation, academic and cultural activities, and emergency support.
EDU Africa is uniquely qualified to provide these professional services because it is one of the most respected and reliable study abroad providers on the African continent and the only known firm with the depth and breadth of services needed across the countries included in the program. The organization has extensive experience managing housing, meals, transportation, academic programming, and safety protocols, supported by established in-country partnerships and local expertise. Additionally. MXC has successfully worked with EDU Africa on previous study abroad programs and can attest to it reliability, professionalism, and proven ability to deliver safe and successful educational experiences.
Alternative vendors were evaluated; however, none were identified that could provide the same combination of academic programming, in-country operational support, and established presence in the country to be visited. EDU Africa's proven track record of successful study abroad programs, strong safety record, extensive local partnerships, and ability to coordinate all logistical requirements including housing, meals, transportation, and on-site support make it uniquely qualified to meet the needs of the MXC Study Abroad Program.
Efforts were made to obtain the best possible price by working closely with EDU Africa to develop an academic program that met the educational objectives of the MXC Study Abroad Program while keeping costs as low as possible. The proposed pricing was reviewed and evaluated based on the scope of services provided, prior experience with similar programs, and current market conditions. Based on MXC's past experience and the comprehensive serves included, the pricing is considered highly completive and represents excellent value, particularly given that EDU Africa is providing services for seven chaperones at no additional cost for the Kenya trip.
Rev. 9/2025
C I T Y C O L L E G E S O F C H I C A G O
6. Will this purchase obligate the CCC to this vendor for future purchases such as maintenance, licensing or continuing needs? Yes No If yes, please provide details regarding future obligations and/or needs:
7. Why is the price for this purchase considered to be fair and reasonable?
8. If this is a renewal, describe why circumstances are such that competitive selection is still not an alternative since awarding the original contract:
9. What will be the financial or other impact to CCC if this sole source is not approved and a competitive solicitation is required?
Department/College Representative Signature Required I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source /Bid Waiver Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct.
Department/College Representative Signature Printed Name Date
Department/College Representative Signature Printed Name Date
VC/ College President Signature
Procurement Approval and Signature
Printed Name Date
Printed Name Date
The price is considered fair and reasonable because it includes comprehensive academic and logistical support, a strong safety framework, and extensive in-country expertise. Based on MXC's prior experence with EDU Arica, the pricing is competitive and provides excellent value, especially given that services for seven chaperones are included at no additional cost.
N/A
Donnetta Ramsey Digitally signed by Donnetta Ramsey Date: 2026.08.03 08:53:39 -05'00' Donnetta Ramsey
Tiffany Dixon Digitally signed by Tiffany Dixon Date: 2026.08.03 17:02:26 -05'00'
David A. Sanders 08/13/2026
Tiffany Dixon 8/3/26
David A. Sanders Digitally signed by David A.
Sanders Date: 2026.08.13 10:55:51 -05'00'
If this sole-source purchase is not approved and a competitive solicitatiion is required, CCC could experience significant delas in program planning and implementation, potentially jeopardizing the timing and quallity of the MXC Study Abroad Program. Alternative vendors may lack Africa's country-specific expertise, established local partnerships, proven safety record, and ability to deliver the required academic and logistical services, increasing operational risks and administrative burden. A delay in securing a qualifieed provder could also affect student participation, travel arrangements, and the overall success of the program.
8/24/2026 | 12:33:39 PM CDTAngela Arrington-Jones
| Sole Source Justification Application |
| Business Rationale |
| 2026-08-24T17:34:22+0000 | |
| Digitally verifiable PDF exported from www.docusign.com |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .