ESBD_484609_1769133326902_Justification for Proprietary Purchase Form eCornell.docx.pdf
PDF 180 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 455-26-1021
- Issued by
- Texas
About this file
This is a Justification for Proprietary Purchase form submitted by the Railroad Commission of Texas for the procurement of eCornell's Python certificate program. The Railroad Commission of Texas is seeking to provide Python training to enhance its Information Technology staff's data analysis and automation capabilities in support of application development, system integration, and data-driven regulatory operations. The justification indicates that multiple employees have already begun eCornell certificate programs, and the agency is requesting to continue with this proprietary source to maintain training continuity and preserve previously completed coursework.
The Railroad Commission of Texas determined that eCornell's Python program is necessary because it is a university-developed certificate series created by Cornell University faculty that provides multi-module sequential coursework, applied real-world projects aligned with data analytics and automation workflows, graded assessments, and a standardized learning path ensuring consistent proficiency levels across participants. The agency evaluated several DIR vendors and determined that while other vendors offer IT courses, none provide an equivalent university-developed certificate program specializing in Python for data analytics, automation, and advanced technical applications. Discontinuing the eCornell program mid-stream would result in loss of completed coursework, wasted agency funds already invested, training inconsistencies across staff, and delays in project deliverables. The form was signed by Theresa Lopez, Director of Operations, on January 22, 2026.
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| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| ESBD_484609_1769135501109_IFB #455-26-1021 - Python Certification Courses.pdf |
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JUSTIFICATION FOR PROPRIETARY PURCHASE
RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS
Source of purchase:
Sole Brand - Available from more than one source
▪ Sole source - Available from only one source
Name of source (minimum of one required):
eCornell’s Python program
Brief description of project for which item(s) will be used:
This Python training will be used to enhance IT’s staff data analysis and automation capabilities to support application development, system integration, and data driven regulatory operations.
Why proprietary features/functions are necessary to accomplish project goals:
eCornell’s Python program is a university-developed certificate series built by Cornell University faculty. The curriculum includes:
• Multi-module, sequential coursework that builds toward a recognized certificate
• Applied, real-world projects aligned with data analytics, automation, and machine-learning workflows
• Assessments, graded assignments, and competency demonstrations
• A standardized learning path that ensures all participants reach the same proficiency level
This structure is essential for the agency because staff are being trained to perform data-driven analysis, develop automated processes, and support modernization initiatives—not simply to learn Python syntax.
Multiple employees have already begun eCornell certificate programs. Mid-program would result in:
• Loss of completed coursework
• Wasted agency funds already invested
• Training inconsistencies across staff
• Delays in project deliverables tied to these skillsets
Maintaining continuity through eCornell prevents disruption and preserves the value of training already completed.
Name other sources whose products have been evaluated and explain why those products do not meet requirements:
The RRC solicited several DIR vendors, and a review of available DIR vendors reveals that while several offer
IT courses, none offer a university-developed certificate program equivalent to eCornell’s, particularly one specializing in Python for data analytics, automation, and advanced technical applications.
Docusign Envelope ID: 2F8BF19B-AC82-43D2-B5C0-66AA6B4337CC
Theresa Lopez, Director of Operations
Date
Docusign Envelope ID: 2F8BF19B-AC82-43D2-B5C0-66AA6B4337CC
1/22/2026
| JUSTIFICATION FOR PROPRIETARY PURCHASE |
| RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS |
| Source of purchase: |
| Name of source (minimum of one required): |
| Brief description of project for which item(s) will be used: |
| Why proprietary features/functions are necessary to accomplish project goals: |
| Name other sources whose products have been evaluated and explain why those products do not meet requirements: |
| 2026-01-22T17:32:35-0800 | |
| Digitally verifiable PDF exported from www.docusign.com |
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