Bookstore Operations

City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) is soliciting proposals through RFP #NC2527 for a comprehensive online bookstore and marketplace operations contract covering its seven colleges and five satellite locations. The procurement seeks a full-service vendor to provide an advanced online bookstore platform with extensive capabilities including faculty adoption tools, library reference copy management, student ordering capabilities, book buyback services, and course materials integration. Key deliverables include maintaining substantial textbook inventory across multiple formats (new, used, digital, rental), supporting diverse payment methods including financial aid, offering free student shipping, and developing online spirit stores for each college. The pre-proposal conference is scheduled for November 4, 2025, with proposal submissions due by December 1, 2025, and an intent to submit deadline of November 27, 2025. Evaluation criteria will likely include technological capabilities, inventory management, customer service infrastructure, reporting mechanisms, and ability to meet comprehensive operational requirements. The initial contract term is thirty-six months with potential for two additional one-year renewals.

The RFP includes specific diversity requirements, with established Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation goals of 25% and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) goals of 7%. The current bookstore operation is managed by Barnes and Noble College, which generated over $6.2 million in sales during 2024 with approximately 91,153 units sold. The vendor must provide $40,000 in annual student book vouchers, implement a book scholarship program, and demonstrate robust technological capabilities including multi-device support, publisher system integration, data security, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) compliance. While precise award value is not explicitly stated, the previous year's sales volume of $6.2 million suggests a significant potential contract value. Vendors will be expected to provide dedicated account management, comprehensive customer service, technical infrastructure with disaster recovery capabilities, and detailed monthly performance reporting across all operational metrics.