SS 9748 - NOTICE OF INTENT TO CERTIFY SOLE SOURCE SAVE AS WORD.docx

Notice of Intent to Certify Sole Source

To: Interested Parties

From: Kevin Yearick

CIO

Date: 9/23/2026

Re: Sole Source Certification Number SS9748 for renewal of Interactive Space for Students and Instructors to Engage in Discussions (Harmonize)

Contact Email Address: solesource@umc.edu

Sole Source Certification Award Details

Regarding UMMC Sole Source Certification Number SS 9748, please be advised that UMMC intends to award the renewal of Interactive Space for Students and Instructors to Engage in Discussions (Harmonize) to 42 Lines, inc.

UMMC issues this notice in accordance with Mississippi state law, policy, and procedures for sole source procurements.

Sole Source Criteria

1. Where the compatibility of equipment, accessories, or replacement parts is the paramount consideration (and manufacturer is the sole supplier).

2. Where a sole supplier’s item is needed for trial use or testing.

3. Where a sole supplier’s item is to be required when no other item will service the needs of UMMC.

Schedule

Project Details

1. Describe the commodity/service that the agency/institution is seeking to procure:

Harmonize is a next-generation, advanced discussion LTI that substantially enhances community and engagement for students in online instruction, while also streamlining the process of discussion management for faculty.

The platform allows an institution to substantially improve pedagogical alignment and functionality within a discussion to the learning outcomes and instructional requirements of faculty specifically and an institution broadly. Additionally, features have been added to help institutions met guidelines from the Department of Education regarding digital accessibility (Title II).

2. Explain why the commodity/service is the only one (1) that can meet the needs of the agency/institution:

Harmonize is the only discussion tool on the market that integrates seamlessly with both Canvas LMS and TurnItIn. In addition, this product showcases numerous discussion board features unique to this product including: Image & Video annotation, Multiple due dates and auto-grading, Q&A module with integrated polling feature, auto-captioning, equation editor, integrated direct messaging/chat, ability to flag a question, web conferencing and a student activity dashboard. The newest cutting-edge feature to be released includes GenAI integrations for faculty discussion prompts. Tools for auto-captioning of audio media, extended audio descriptions for visual components on the screen during video playback, and alt texts also make this product distinct from other products on the market that can be used for discussion boards.

3. Explain why the source is the only person or entity that can provide the required commodity/service:

42 Lines, inc. is the sole provider of support and licensing for this product.

4. Explain why the amount to be expended for the commodity/service is reasonable:

The estimated amount to be expended for the renewal of Interactive Space for Students and Instructors to Engage in Discussions (Harmonize) is $50,520.00 for three years. Please be advised that UMMC will determine if additional enhancements, upgrades, support, or equipment are within scope during the certification period and may increase the spending authority accordingly. Should 42 Lines, inc. change their name during this certification period, then UMMC will determine if a recertification is necessary. This amount is within the expected price range for these products.

5. Describe the efforts that the agency/institution went through to obtain the best possible price for the commodity/service:

Pricing is compared against available market intelligence and identified discounts are pursued where applicable.

Submission Instructions and Format of Response from Objecting Parties

Interested parties who have reason to believe that the renewal of Interactive Space for Students and Instructors to Engage in Discussions (Harmonize), (hereafter, “Products”) should not be certified as a sole source should provide information in the Vendor Form for the State to use in determining whether or not to proceed with awarding the sole source to 42 Lines, inc.

The Vendor Form may be found at Bureau of Purchasing and Contracting | Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration (ms.gov), under “Purchasing Forms."

Objections must include the certification in Attachment B.

Comments will be accepted at any time prior to Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. (Central Time) to solesource@umc.edu. Responses may be delivered via email to solesource@umc.edu. UMMC WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DELAYS IN THE DELIVERY OF RESPONSES. It is solely the responsibility of the Interested Parties that responses reach UMMC on time. Responses received after the deadline and responses that lack all required information will be rejected. UMMC reserves the right to inspect Interested Party’s commodity for comparison purposes.

If you have any questions concerning the information above or if we can be of further assistance, please contact solesource@umc.edu.

Attachment A: Vendor Correspondence Attachment B: Objection Certification

Attachment B

SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO

Sole Source Certification No. SS9748

Accepted until Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

I certify that the information contained in this objection is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that UMMC will investigate all statements made in this objection and that any false or misleading information provided may result in adverse action.

Objector Name Objector’s title

Date