Signed National Board Sole Source Justification Form 2026.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 5

Bulletin Reference Number 26-586SBE-CHFED-B-52273

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Board of Education

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

Department/Bureau/Section: Teaching and Learning/Educator Effectiveness

Need Identified Date: Apr 10, 2026 Supply/Service Need By Date: Jul 1, 2026

Project Title: Illinois Teaching Excellence Program

Vendor: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Provide a description of the supplies or services required: Processing of candidate components.

Value: Not to Exceed Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 1,000,000

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)

Mandated per statute - 105 ILCS 5/21B-70(b)

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

Section V - Purchase History

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

Section VI - Business Rationale

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-586SBE-CHFED-B-52273

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Board of Education

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

ISBE requires the services of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to administer candidate component fees and educator incentives pursuant to the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program under 105 ILCS 5/21B-70 (b) - Any funds appropriated for the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program must be used to provide monetary assistance and incentives for qualified educators who are employed by or retired from school districts and who have or are in the process of obtaining licensure through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The goal of the program is to improve instruction and student performance.

The State Board of Education shall allocate an amount as annually appropriated by the General Assembly for the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program for (i) application or re-take fees for each qualified educator seeking to complete certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, to be paid directly to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and (ii) incentives under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (c) for each qualified educator, to be distributed to the respective school district, and incentives under paragraph (5) of subsection (c), to be distributed to the respective school district or directly to the qualified educator. The school district shall distribute this payment to each eligible teacher or school counselor as a single payment.

The State Board of Education's annual budget must set out by separate line item the appropriation for the program. Unless otherwise provided by appropriation, qualified educators are eligible for monetary assistance and incentives outlined in subsections (c) and (d) of this Section.

Effective July 1, 2026, ISBE will assume direct oversight of the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program, which is currently administered through NBRC at Illinois State University. Statute requires that candidate application and component fees be paid directly to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and that financial incentives and program supports be provided to participating educators. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, is the sole entity authorized to administer National Board Certification and related certification services, including the processing of candidate component fees. As a result, ISBE must contract directly with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to ensure statutory compliance, continuity of program operations, and an orderly transition of the program from ISU to ISBE without disruption to participating educators.

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

The required services include, but are not limited to:

Administration and processing of National Board Certification candidate component fees Certification-related services required for National Board candidacy and certification Secure systems for candidate registration, payment processing, verification, and reporting Coordination with ISBE to support educator incentives and reimbursements required under statute Compliance with National Board certification standards, timelines, and eligibility requirements Data reporting related to candidate participation and certification status to support state oversight.

These specifications are established and controlled exclusively by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and cannot be modified, replicated, or delivered by another vendor.

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 requested services are available only from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which is the sole certifying authority for National Board Certification. Statute explicitly requires that candidate fees be paid directly to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. No alternative vendor is authorized to administer certification components, collect fees, issue certifications, or verify candidate eligibility. Without contracting directly with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, ISBE would be unable to meet its statutory obligations under 105 ILCS 5/21B-70.

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:

Exclusive authority to issue National Board Certification Proprietary certification assessments, scoring systems, and evaluation protocols Secure, nationally recognized candidate registration and certification platform Recognition and accreditation by state and federal education agencies Nationally standardized certification framework used for educator incentives

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-586SBE-CHFED-B-52273

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Board of Education

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

No other alternatives were evaluated because the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is specifically named in statute-105 ILCS 5/21B-70.

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?

Pricing is established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. ISBE reviewed historical actual expenditures previously paid through Illinois State University. Annual costs are variable and dependent upon the number of educator candidates applying for initial certification or renewing certification; however, total expenditures are estimated on a not-to-exceed basis of $1 million annually.

Based on historical spending patterns and statutory requirements, ISBE has determined the pricing to be fair and reasonable.

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?

The only vendor that can be awarded is National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and that is the reason a solicitation could not be competitive. If a sole source is not approved this would delay or prevent payment of candidate fees and educator incentives, disrupt National Board Certification participation for Illinois educators, risk noncompliance with statute, and potentially jeopardize the successful transition of the program from ISU to ISBE. Such delays could result in educator financial hardship, loss of certification opportunities, and increased administrative and legal risk to the State.

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-586SBE-CHFED-B-52273

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

Printed Name Crystal Strohkirch E-mail Address cstrohki@isbe.net

Phone Number

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 jperry@isbe.net

Phone Number Date

Printed Name Jason Perry

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 26-586SBE-CHFED-B-52273

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Board of Education

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

Project Title Illinois Teaching Excellence Program

Vendor National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

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 State Board of Education shall allocate an amount as annually appropriated by the General Assembly for the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program for (i) application or re-take fees for each qualified educator seeking to complete certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, to be paid directly to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and (ii) incentives under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (c) for each qualified educator, to be distributed to the respective school district, and incentives under paragraph (5) of subsection (c), to be distributed to the respective school district or directly to the qualified educator. The school district shall distribute this payment to each eligible teacher or school counselor as a single payment.

The State Board of Education's annual budget must set out by separate line item the appropriation for the program. Unless otherwise provided by appropriation, qualified educators are eligible for monetary assistance and incentives outlined in subsections (c) and (d) of this Section.

Effective July 1, 2026, ISBE will assume direct oversight of the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program, which is currently administered through NBRC at Illinois State University. Statute requires that candidate application and component fees be paid directly to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and that financial incentives and program supports be provided to participating educators. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, is the sole entity authorized to administer National Board Certification and related certification services, including the processing of candidate component fees. As a result, ISBE must contract directly with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to ensure statutory compliance, continuity of program operations, and an orderly transition of the program from ISU to ISBE without disruption to participating educators.

Q2Answer: The required services include, but are not limited to:

Administration and processing of National Board Certification candidate component fees Certification-related services required for National Board candidacy and certification Secure systems for candidate registration, payment processing, verification, and reporting Coordination with ISBE to support educator incentives and reimbursements required under statute Compliance with National Board certification standards, timelines, and eligibility requirements Data reporting related to candidate participation and certification status to support state oversight.

These specifications are established and controlled exclusively by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and cannot be modified, replicated, or delivered by another vendor.

Proprietary certification assessments, scoring systems, and evaluation protocols Secure, nationally recognized candidate registration and certification platform Recognition and accreditation by state and federal education agencies Nationally standardized certification framework used for educator incentives