CY26 US Travel Association SS B-49800.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 7

Bulletin Reference Number 26-420DCEO-TOURI-B-49800

Requesting Agency/University Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Sole Source Justification Form - Part I Section I - General Information

Department/Bureau/Section: Office of Tourism

Need Identified Date: Jan 1, 2026 Supply/Service Need By Date: Dec 31, 2026

Project Title: Calendar Year 2026 US Travel Association Membership

Vendor: US Travel Association

Provide a description of the supplies or services required: tourism/travel annual membership dues

Value: Actual Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 105,000

Will this Sole Source amend a Professional or Artistic Services contract? Yes No

*Sole Source may not be used for amendments for Professional or Artistic Services if the amendment would increase the value by more than 5% of the initial award or extend the term by more than 60 days.

Type: New Sole Source

Section II - Proposed Term

One-Time Purchase Term Contract

Section III - Funding Source Select the type of funding to be used (Check all that apply): State Appropriate Funds Federal Funds Other (Explain):

Section IV - Sole Source Justification

This purchase is economically only available from a single source primarily because it is: (If "Other" explain in one sentence)

Organizational Memberships (Dues, Fees, Conference Charges Including Mandated Travel and Related Expenses)

Are there secondary justification(s) for this sole source? Yes No

Version 7.01 Page 2 of 7

Bulletin Reference Number 26-420DCEO-TOURI-B-49800

Requesting Agency/University Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Section V - Purchase History

Has the Agency or University Purchased these supplies or services in the past? Yes No

Term Term From Term To Value Description Contract Number Type

1 01/01/2016 12/31/2016 86,250 US Travel Association Membership PR11360006 Small Purchase

2 01/01/2017 12/31/2017 88,400 US Travel Association Membership PR11360004 Small Purchase

3 01/01/2018 12/31/2018 72,500 US Travel Association Membership PR11360001 Small Purchase

4 01/01/2019 12/31/2019 74,300 US Travel Association Membership PR11360004 Small Purchase

5 01/01/2020 12/31/2020 92,750 US Travel Association Membership PR11360005 Small Purchase

6 01/01/2021 12/31/2021 75,000 US Travel Association Membership PR11360006 Small Purchase

7 01/01/2022 12/31/2022 75,000 US Travel Association Membership PR11360008 Small Purchase

8 01/01/2023 12/31/2023 85,270 US Travel Association Membership 4100171096 Small Purchase

9 01/01/2024 12/31/2024 95,800 US Travel Association Membership 4100188644 Small Purchase

10 01/01/2025 12/31/2025 105,000 US Travel Association Membership 4100204815 Sole Source

If more than 10, or if other comments, explain:

We have held an annual membership in this organization since the 1990's. All US State tourism offices are required members of this organization.

Section VI - Business Rationale

1. Provide a detailed explanation of the need for the supplies or services:

Membership in US Travel Association. Executives from all 50 states meet multiple times a year to discuss important events and/or issues affecting tourism. The meetings/events feature powerhouse speakers and game-changing conversations to promote each State.

The membership offers several features, including activities for: growing demand, driving the future of seamless travel security, and defining the modes and capabilities shaping the next generation of travel and connectivity. Travel industry executives, business leaders, trailblazers, and public policy elites meet to identify the factors essential to spur travel growth and innovation. The members share their vision to usher in the future of travel.

• The membership is not for specific individuals. It covers the Bureau of Tourism that, depending on each event, can invite several individuals at its booth.

• As this is travel-related membership, it is generally the Deputy Director for the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) and other tourism team members that attend the events. However, for IPW (sponsored by US Travel Association) for example, other officials outside of IOT will be in attendance.

• You must be a member to attend IPW which is the largest international trade show held in the US. Last year, we had Lt Gov Stratton attend IPW in LA with us.

2. Provide a list and describe in detail the specifications required to satisfy the need:

If we had to purchase this research separately and pay for our registrations, it would cost our department more monies and we would not be as effective in our tourism promotion efforts. Illinois will not be included with the other 50 states that are members of this organization. We will either need to pay for our registrations to be included in the pertinent discussions at the meetings, or we will not be able to attend the meetings. There is no other organization that represents the US Travel industry and advocates on issues impacting the tourism industry. Illinois will lose out on valuable information that will have an impact Illinois' tourism.

Version 7.01 Page 3 of 7

Bulletin Reference Number 26-420DCEO-TOURI-B-49800

Requesting Agency/University Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

3. Provide detail explaining the justification selected in Section IV to explain why the requested supplies or services are the only ones available that can satisfy the agency or university requirements?

This request is for a membership in the US Travel Association.

Key features of the membership:

1. provides research data that is used to make more efficient and effective decisions by our organization in order to attract consumers to Illinois:

• US Travel provides a monthly newsletter which required member log-in. The newsletter provides valuable information including a summary of the latest economic, consumer and travel indicators, trends and analysis. It also includes key highlights from the Recovery and Growth Insights Dashboard.

• US Travel Association also provides to its members a Travel Price Index (TPI) which measures both the one-month change and 12-month change. This data is comparable to the Consumer Price Index.

• Quarterly consumer insights are also available to members which includes more in-depth look at traveler behavior and shifts in traveler trends

• This is the only entity representing the entire US travel industry both with legislative issues impacting the travel industry as well as making sure members have access to data to carry out their responsibilities to promote visitation.

• As the national organization representing the entire travel industry, they have access to other government-related information that they provide to all their members such as economic impact, visitation, etc.

2. provides us with complimentary registrations to multiple industry events that we attend on an annual basis as well as post pandemic recovery events:

• The National Council of State Tourism Directors is represented by U.S.Travel Association. This council represents all 50 states, five U.S.

territories, and the District of Columbia. It provides leadership and a forum for information sharing on issues impacting tourism.

• While we are recovering from the pandemic, data is still be evaluated on the impact the pandemic had on tourism and the effectiveness of the recovery plans put in place, even today.

• Event that are organized by U.S. Travel Association include the U.S. Travel Fall Engagement Week, the Future of Travel Mobility, Destination Capitol Hill, Global Meetings Industry Day, National Travel and Tourism Week, IPW, ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations)

• IPW will be held in the summer of 2026 and you must be a member of US Travel to attend. As the host state, it is critical that we have a large presence at the show. This is the only international trade show held in the US where all international buyers attend to purchase product to sell to their clients. Also, international media attend to generate stories about the destination and as host state, we will host trips around the state for buyers and media.

3. provides opportunities to meet and network with other tourism leaders:

• The Travel Action Network is part of the U.S. Travel Association. This network gives its members a collective voice both nationally and internationally which can move policy changes that will insure tourism growth, global competitiveness, and bolster the economy.

• The meetings held and organized by US Travel Association are the only ones where state tourism directors can meet and discuss respective issues but also meet with attractions, airline partners, etc. as the organization represents all facets of the tourism industry.

4. offers insights and pertinent information to attract consumers in Illinois:

• This is a collaboration of tourism professionals throughout the United States and Globally. The professionals work together to represent all the members of the organization. This organization gives us the benefit of presenting Illinois as a key tourism destination in a global capacity. The U.S. Travel Association works with tourism professionals globally which we would not have the capacity to do on our own.

• They provide trends of consumers which is important to follow in order to make more efficient marketing decisions.

Version 7.01 Page 4 of 7

Bulletin Reference Number 26-420DCEO-TOURI-B-49800

Requesting Agency/University Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

4. 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:

There is no other organization that represents the US Travel industry and advocates on issues impacting the tourism industry, that will offer this membership.

Without the membership, Illinois will miss out on valuable information that will have an impact on Illinois' tourism.

• Example of U.S. Travel’s IPW Los Angeles 2024 o Chicago/Illinois will be the host for IPW in 2025 so we will have a larger presence and activation at IPW along with Choose Chicago to inspire international buyers and media to attend in 2025. We have a triple booth which means we have 3 appointment books running during the show. We will also have an activation at the convention center hall along with Choose Chicago.

o U.S. Travel Association’s IPW continues to reunite and rebuild the global travel industry, providing an in-person platform to conduct business and renew our relationships around the world. As the leading inbound travel trade show, past IPWs have generated more than $5.5 billion in future travel by connecting U.S. travel exhibitors with travel buyers and media to promote their product and negotiate future business, securing America’s position as a foremost global travel destination and showcasing the best of what the U.S.

has to offer. It is critical that Illinois participates in this conference.

• National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) o The National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) leverages the collective strength of state tourism offices to provide leadership and a forum for information sharing on issues impacting tourism. Representing all 50 states, the five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, NCSTD serves its members by:

*Providing a voice on critical public policy issues.

*Offering learning opportunities to increase the effectiveness of state tourism offices.

*Driving internal and external communication.

*Shaping and supporting coordinated domestic and international marketing efforts.

*Offering state tourism directors a forum for sharpening leadership skills.

o In addition to their usual U.S. Travel membership benefits, NCSTD provides programs and services specifically for the state tourism directors and their office personnel. These programs and services are designed to enhance professional development, address common state tourism issues, provide resources and other tools to help state tourism offices perform mission critical activities.

o If we do not attend this summit, there would be no one representing the State of Illinois. As one of the top ten tourism states in the country, it is critical that issues facing our industry in Illinois are addressed and top of mind. Included with the NCSTD are meetings of the US Travel Association to discuss and plan agendas for areas to address in the coming year.

o Tourism is an $83 billion industry to the state.

5. Has the Agency or University considered alternative supplies or services to satisfy their need? Yes No

5a. If no, why weren't alternatives evaluated?

There are no other organizations that represent the US travel industry; therefore, there is no one else to look at to provide these same services.

• This is an organization that includes all 50 states. If we do not renew our membership to this organization, Illinois would be the ONLY state not represented in this organization and we would not be able to participate in IPW in the summer of 2026.

• There is not another organization that represents all facets of the US travel industry for membership. This is the US Travel Association and comprised of states, cities, attractions, airlines and any other pertinent partners in promoting tourism in the US.

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

Yes No N/A

7. What efforts were made to get the best possible price (i.e. did the agency/university negotiate) and how did you determine the price for this purchase is considered fair and reasonable?

This is a set price for all members based on annual budget

8. Will this purchase obligate the State to this vendor for future purchases such as maintenance, licensing or continuing need?

Yes No

Version 7.01 Page 5 of 7

Bulletin Reference Number 26-420DCEO-TOURI-B-49800

Requesting Agency/University Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

9. What will be the financial or other impact to the State if this sole source is not approved and a competitive bid is required?

This is seeking a membership that is only offered by this Vendor to all Tourism offices.

10. Is there any additional information you would like to add to justify this sole source?

Version 7.01 Page 6 of 7

Bulletin Reference Number 26-420DCEO-TOURI-B-49800

Requesting Agency/University Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Section VII

Requesting Department Representative

Requesting Department Signature Required

I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed.

Date Oct 19, 2025

Printed Name Rick Rogers E-mail Address rick.e.rogers@illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-524-8148

State Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director Approval and Signature Required

I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed. (All prior form fields will lock once this e-signature is completed)

E-mail Address rick.e.rogers@illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-524-8148 Date Oct 19, 2025

Printed Name Rick Rogers

Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director and Not a Designee

SPO Approval and Signature Required

I have reviewed and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and agree with the State Agency or University determination.

I have reviewed and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and do not agree with the State Agency or University determination. As a result, the State Agency or University must explore other sourcing methods to satisfy their need.

State Purchasing Officer Signature Phone Number 217-415-4718 Date Oct 20, 2025

Printed Name Abigail Bailey E-mail Address Abigail.K.Bailey@illinois.gov

Version 7.01 Page 7 of 7

Bulletin Reference Number 26-420DCEO-TOURI-B-49800

Requesting Agency/University Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Sole Source Justification Form - Part II Section I - General Information

Project Title Calendar Year 2026 US Travel Association Membership

Vendor US Travel Association

Initial Date of Procurement Bulletin Posting

Was a Sole Source hearing held per 30 ILCS 500/20-25?

Yes - Complete Section II and III below (Section II will only be visible when this option is selected)

No - Section II not required, go to Section III below Section III - CPO Approval and Signature Required

Based on my review, I authorize the Agency/University to proceed in accordance with the published Notice referenced above.

Based upon my review, I authorize the Agency/University to proceed with the following Changes.

Based on my review, the Agency/University is not authorized to proceed with this sole source as presented and my recommendation is that it be cancelled.

Other

CPO Signature CPO Phone

Printed Name Date

CPO E-mail

Version 7.01 Page of Sole Source Justification Form - Part I Section I - General Information Will this Sole Source amend a Professional or Artistic Services contract?

If yes, what was the original contract value?

*Sole Source may not be used for amendments for Professional or Artistic Services if the amendment would increase the value by more than 5% of the initial award or extend the term by more than 60 days.

Section II - Proposed Term If a Term Contract, does the term, including renewals, exceed 12 months?

If yes, provide a detailed justification including any economic benefit received for agreeing to a multi-year term:

Section III - Funding Source Select the type of funding to be used (Check all that apply):

Section IV - Sole Source Justification Are there secondary justification(s) for this sole source?

Section V - Purchase History Has the Agency or University Purchased these supplies or services in the past?

Term Term From Term To Value Description Contract Number Type Section VI - Business Rationale

1. Provide a detailed explanation of the need for the supplies or services:

2. Provide a list and describe in detail the specifications required to satisfy the need:

3. Provide detail explaining the justification selected in Section IV to explain why the requested supplies or services are the only ones available that can satisfy the agency or university requirements?

4. 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:

5. Has the Agency or University considered alternative supplies or services to satisfy their need?

5a. If yes, name the alternative vendors whose supplies or services were evaluated:

5b. If yes, what were the alternatives for each vendor and why were they unacceptable? Be specific with regard to features, characteristics, requirements, capabilities and compatibility:

5c. Explain how the market evaluation was conducted?

*This evaluation is to determine available options within a market. If the evaluation is to determine quality or best suited option, this is not the appropriate source selection. Under no circumstances shall the evaluation consist of testing alternative options. These activities must be conducted in a competitive transparent environment (i.e. IFB or RFP).

5a. If no, why weren't alternatives evaluated?

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

7. What efforts were made to get the best possible price (i.e. did the agency/university negotiate) and how did you determine the price for this purchase is considered fair and reasonable?

8. Will this purchase obligate the State to this vendor for future purchases such as maintenance, licensing or continuing need?

8a. If yes, please provide details regarding future obligations and/or needs:

9. What will be the financial or other impact to the State if this sole source is not approved and a competitive bid is required?

10. Is there any additional information you would like to add to justify this sole source?

Section VII Requesting Department Signature Required I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed.

State Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director Approval and Signature Required I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed. (All prior form fields will lock once this e-signature is completed) SPO Approval and Signature Required Sole Source Justification Form - Part II Section I - General Information Was a Sole Source hearing held per 30 ILCS 500/20-25?

Section II - Sole Source Hearing Details The State posted to the Illinois Procurement Bulletin a description of the State's need, the justification for the sole source decision, and information regarding the opportunity to submit comments and testify at a public hearing. Notice of the hearing was also posted outside of the hearing room 48 hours prior to the hearing.

The public hearing was conducted for the purpose of receiving testimony regarding the sole source determination. The Hearing Officer recommends the following:

The following relevant documents are attached:

Section III - CPO Approval and Signature Required 9.0.0.2.20101008.1.734229

The membership offers several features, including activities for: growing demand, driving the future of seamless travel security, and defining the modes and capabilities shaping the next generation of travel and connectivity. Travel industry executives, business leaders, trailblazers, and public policy elites meet to identify the factors essential to spur travel growth and innovation. The members share their vision to usher in the future of travel.

• The membership is not for specific individuals. It covers the Bureau of Tourism that, depending on each event, can invite several individuals at its booth.

• As this is travel-related membership, it is generally the Deputy Director for the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) and other tourism team members that attend the events. However, for IPW (sponsored by US Travel Association) for example, other officials outside of IOT will be in attendance.

• You must be a member to attend IPW which is the largest international trade show held in the US. Last year, we had Lt Gov Stratton attend IPW in LA with us.

Key features of the membership:

1. provides research data that is used to make more efficient and effective decisions by our organization in order to attract consumers to Illinois:

• US Travel provides a monthly newsletter which required member log-in. The newsletter provides valuable information including a summary of the latest economic, consumer and travel indicators, trends and analysis. It also includes key highlights from the Recovery and Growth Insights Dashboard.

• US Travel Association also provides to its members a Travel Price Index (TPI) which measures both the one-month change and 12-month change. This data is comparable to the Consumer Price Index.

• Quarterly consumer insights are also available to members which includes more in-depth look at traveler behavior and shifts in traveler trends

• This is the only entity representing the entire US travel industry both with legislative issues impacting the travel industry as well as making sure members have access to data to carry out their responsibilities to promote visitation.

• As the national organization representing the entire travel industry, they have access to other government-related information that they provide to all their members such as economic impact, visitation, etc.

2. provides us with complimentary registrations to multiple industry events that we attend on an annual basis as well as post pandemic recovery events:

• The National Council of State Tourism Directors is represented by U.S.Travel Association. This council represents all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. It provides leadership and a forum for information sharing on issues impacting tourism.

• While we are recovering from the pandemic, data is still be evaluated on the impact the pandemic had on tourism and the effectiveness of the recovery plans put in place, even today.

• Event that are organized by U.S. Travel Association include the U.S. Travel Fall Engagement Week, the Future of Travel Mobility, Destination Capitol Hill, Global Meetings Industry Day, National Travel and Tourism Week, IPW, ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations)

• IPW will be held in the summer of 2026 and you must be a member of US Travel to attend. As the host state, it is critical that we have a large presence at the show. This is the only international trade show held in the US where all international buyers attend to purchase product to sell to their clients. Also, international media attend to generate stories about the destination and as host state, we will host trips around the state for buyers and media.

3. provides opportunities to meet and network with other tourism leaders:

• The Travel Action Network is part of the U.S. Travel Association. This network gives its members a collective voice both nationally and internationally which can move policy changes that will insure tourism growth, global competitiveness, and bolster the economy.

• The meetings held and organized by US Travel Association are the only ones where state tourism directors can meet and discuss respective issues but also meet with attractions, airline partners, etc. as the organization represents all facets of the tourism industry.

4. offers insights and pertinent information to attract consumers in Illinois:

• This is a collaboration of tourism professionals throughout the United States and Globally. The professionals work together to represent all the members of the organization. This organization gives us the benefit of presenting Illinois as a key tourism destination in a global capacity. The U.S. Travel Association works with tourism professionals globally which we would not have the capacity to do on our own.

• They provide trends of consumers which is important to follow in order to make more efficient marketing decisions.

Q4Answer: There is no other organization that represents the US Travel industry and advocates on issues impacting the tourism industry, that will offer this membership.

Without the membership, Illinois will miss out on valuable information that will have an impact on Illinois' tourism.

• Example of U.S. Travel’s IPW Los Angeles 2024 o Chicago/Illinois will be the host for IPW in 2025 so we will have a larger presence and activation at IPW along with Choose Chicago to inspire international buyers and media to attend in 2025. We have a triple booth which means we have 3 appointment books running during the show. We will also have an activation at the convention center hall along with Choose Chicago.

o U.S. Travel Association’s IPW continues to reunite and rebuild the global travel industry, providing an in-person platform to conduct business and renew our relationships around the world. As the leading inbound travel trade show, past IPWs have generated more than $5.5 billion in future travel by connecting U.S. travel exhibitors with travel buyers and media to promote their product and negotiate future business, securing America’s position as a foremost global travel destination and showcasing the best of what the U.S. has to offer. It is critical that Illinois participates in this conference.

• National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) o The National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) leverages the collective strength of state tourism offices to provide leadership and a forum for information sharing on issues impacting tourism. Representing all 50 states, the five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, NCSTD serves its members by:

*Providing a voice on critical public policy issues.

*Offering learning opportunities to increase the effectiveness of state tourism offices.

*Driving internal and external communication.

*Shaping and supporting coordinated domestic and international marketing efforts.

*Offering state tourism directors a forum for sharpening leadership skills.

o In addition to their usual U.S. Travel membership benefits, NCSTD provides programs and services specifically for the state tourism directors and their office personnel. These programs and services are designed to enhance professional development, address common state tourism issues, provide resources and other tools to help state tourism offices perform mission critical activities.

o If we do not attend this summit, there would be no one representing the State of Illinois. As one of the top ten tourism states in the country, it is critical that issues facing our industry in Illinois are addressed and top of mind. Included with the NCSTD are meetings of the US Travel Association to discuss and plan agendas for areas to address in the coming year.

o Tourism is an $83 billion industry to the state.

• This is an organization that includes all 50 states. If we do not renew our membership to this organization, Illinois would be the ONLY state not represented in this organization and we would not be able to participate in IPW in the summer of 2026.

• There is not another organization that represents all facets of the US travel industry for membership. This is the US Travel Association and comprised of states, cities, attractions, airlines and any other pertinent partners in promoting tourism in the US.