Signed FY26 College Board SSJF Part I.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 5

Bulletin Reference Number 25-586SBE-CHFED-B-46317

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Board of Education

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

Department/Bureau/Section: Department of Standards and Instruction

Need Identified Date: Mar 24, 2025 Supply/Service Need By Date: 11/1/2025

Project Title: Advanced Placement (AP) Test Fee for Low Income Students

Vendor: The College Board

Provide a description of the supplies or services required:

The College Board will provide Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at a reduced cost for qualifying low income students who take an Advanced Placement (AP) exam in Spring of 2026

Value: Not to Exceed Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 2,500,000

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)

Items are Copyrighted or Patented and the Items are Only Available from the Holder

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 25-586SBE-CHFED-B-46317

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Board of Education

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 Feb 14, 2025 June 30, 2025 2,500,000 May 2025 AP Exam Fees 0000025045 Sole Source

2 May 6, 2024 June 30, 2024 2,500,000 May 2024 AP Exam Fees 0000024070 Sole Source

3 May 30, 2023 June 30, 2023 2,000,000 May 2023 AP Exam Fees 0000023053 Sole Source

4 Jul 22, 2021 June 30, 2022 2,000,000 May 2022 AP Exam Fees 0000022039 Sole Source

5 Jul 31, 2020 June 30, 2021 2,000,000 May 2021 AP Exam Fees 0000021024 Sole Source

6 Mar 11, 2020 June 30, 2020 2,000,000 May 2020 AP Exam Fees 0000020056 Sole Source

7 July 1, 2019 Oct. 31, 2019 2,000,000 May 2019 AP Exam Fees Exemption

8 July 1, 2018 Oct. 31, 2018 2,000,000 May 2018 AP Exam Fees Exemption

9 July 3, 2017 Oct. 31, 2017 2,000,000 May 2017 AP Exam Fees Exemption

10 July 1, 2016 Oct. 31, 2016 2,639,006 May 2016 AP Exam Fees Exemption

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

Prior to 2015, districts were given funds through Title I to pay for AP test fees for low income students. From 2015 to 2018, funds were given directly to College Board directly from the U.S. Department of Education for reimbursement of Low Income Students AP test fees. 2019 was the first time ISBE paid College Board directly from the State Line Budget Appropriation.

Section VI - Business Rationale

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

Providing AP test fee reimbursement for low income students creates additional opportunities for students to take exams by eliminating the cost barrier since the fee per exam is $94

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

The College Board will provide Advanced Placement Exams taken by qualifying low income students at a reduced rate. The districts will order the AP exams in November of 2025 and students will take the exams in May of 2026. The College Board will invoice Illinois school districts according to their fee reduction and expected state reimbursements.

For public school students who qualify for the College Board fee reduction, ISBE will pay College Board:

- a minimum of $28 per AP Exam

The final fee invoiced to a public school for a fee-reduced student for any AP Exam (Including AP Seminar/Research Exams) is at maximum $25 per exam.

The College Board will invoice the Illinois State Board of Education for state reimbursements of test fees for low income students. The Illinois State Board of Education will pay for exams of low income students that are used, the Illinois State Board of Education is not financially responsible for un-used exams of low income students.

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?

The Illinois State Legislature is anticipating being appropriated $2,500,000 to the Illinois State Board of Education for this specific purpose of providing funds for low income students taking the AP exams. The College Board is the only vendor of Advanced Placement exams.

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Bulletin Reference Number 25-586SBE-CHFED-B-46317

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Board of Education

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:

The College Board is the only vendor who administers Advanced Placement exams. The Advanced Placement exams and curricula are under a registered trademark owned by the College Board. Additionally Illinois School Code recognizes a score of 3 or higher on an AP placement exams as college credit. This lowers barriers and access for students to post secondary opportunities.

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?

The College Board is the sole supplier of Advanced Placement exams and holds the registered trademark for Advanced Placement products.

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?

The College Board sets the price as they are the sole vendor.

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

Yes No

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 sole source will allow the agency to allocate legislated funds for low income students AP test fee reimbursements. The financial impact would result in low income students being responsible for the total exam fee of $94.00 for a regular exam and $142 for capstone exams.

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 25-586SBE-CHFED-B-46317

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Board of Education

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 May 2, 2025

Printed Name Kirsten A. Parr E-mail Address kparr@isbe.net

Phone Number 217-782-4322

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

Phone Number Date

Printed Name

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 217-299-0935 Date

Printed Name Colene Underwood E-mail Address Colene.Underwood@Illinois.gov

Version 7.01 Page 5 of 5

Bulletin Reference Number 25-586SBE-CHFED-B-46317

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Board of Education

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

Project Title

Vendor

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

For public school students who qualify for the College Board fee reduction, ISBE will pay College Board:

- a minimum of $28 per AP Exam

The final fee invoiced to a public school for a fee-reduced student for any AP Exam (Including AP Seminar/Research Exams) is at maximum $25 per exam.

The College Board will invoice the Illinois State Board of Education for state reimbursements of test fees for low income students. The Illinois State Board of Education will pay for exams of low income students that are used, the Illinois State Board of Education is not financially responsible for un-used exams of low income students.