SBE: Sole Source - Brighton Training Group

The Illinois State Board of Education is proceeding with a sole-source contract award to Brighton Training Group for Community Nutrition Program training modules, with a public hearing scheduled for September 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM (WebEx 1-312-535-8110, access code 28661804) and written comments due by September 9, 2026. The sole-source determination is the controlling constraint — interested parties may submit written opposition or request testimony by the September 9 deadline to challenge the procurement method.

ISBE seeks Bright Track compliance training system licenses for state education agencies and sponsors participating in USDA child nutrition programs, including the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and National School Breakfast (NSB). The system provides interactive online training services with course development, delivery, and tracking capabilities required by USDA compliance mandates. ISBE justified sole source on the basis that Bright Track is copyrighted and patented, available only from Brighton Training Group with no authorized dealers or agents. The agency evaluated three alternatives — Institute of Child Nutrition, Providers Choice, and CORE — and determined none could meet the specific USDA compliance and tracking requirements. Market research conducted in May 2026 confirmed no competing products met the specifications.

The contract value is $175,250 for a one-year term running October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, with no renewal options. Funding derives from federal sources. ISBE determined pricing fair and reasonable through vendor quotations, comparison to prior purchases ranging from $101,000 to $211,250 over five contract terms from 2021 to 2026, and vendor discussions confirming standard commercial rates. The contract was signed August 21, 2026. The Chief Procurement Office contact is Dianne Richman at Dianne.Richman@illinois.gov or 217-622-1857.