Intent to Sole Source - BIE School Curriculum

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) has published a Special Notice announcing its intent to sole source school curriculum materials for fiscal year 2026. This notice serves as a Supplemental Determination and Findings under federal regulations and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), allowing the BIE to procure curriculum-based requirements without full competition. The BIE estimates over 200 procurement actions valued at more than $6.5 million during the period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The procurement will cover various educational materials including textbooks, workbooks, testing materials, computer-based instructional materials, virtual curriculum, and assistive technology for schools supported by the Bureau. The contracting authority is based on Public Law 114-95 and existing Class Determinations and Findings established in 2018.

The purpose of this sole source authority is to ensure compliance with ESSA requirements and provide fair, equitable, and high-quality education to close educational achievement gaps in Indian schools. The BIE has conducted market research and identified preferred publishers including McGraw-Hill, Pearson Education, Scholastic, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for potential procurement actions. Contractors have until 4:30 PM CDT on October 14, 2025 to submit inquiries to the primary contact, Mr. William Crowder. This notice specifically states it is not a request for quotes or an invitation to bid, but rather an informational announcement of the government's procurement strategy. The BIE reserves the right to sole source when specific requirements are met while attempting to maximize competition where possible. The supplemental determination will remain valid throughout fiscal year 2026 and will be subject to annual review.