Universities have a need for Online Learning. For the last several years, online learning has supplemented and even replaced face-to-face interaction in classrooms and conference rooms. Throughout the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and professional graduate education, students are required to be technologically literate to complete coursework and fulfill class requirements. Many times, students are not familiar with software applications required to complete coursework and the college/department assumes the student understands or will figure it out on their own. Students require a simple and convenient method to fill this gap and learn the skills they require to complete coursework and be successful in our environment. Now, with COVID-19, online learning is more essential than ever for students and faculty. University staff also require a convenient and intuitive way to obtain personalized instruction on technology (software/web development, infrastructure training, data science, database management, etc.), business (leadership, management, soft skills, etc.), and creative (art and illustration, animation, CAD, graphic design, web design, etc.) skills to increase functional capabilities and professional development. In addition, limited budgets and time require faculty/staff to replace previous travel to conferences or training centers with online learning solutions. The above-referenced examples provide just a snapshot of the potential uses for digital learning and this specific Sole Source request. Higher Education globally is in continual competition to not only attract students but to best prepare them for the workforce after degree completion. Through various State-imposed difficulties, Illinois Higher Education can be at a disadvantage when competing with neighboring states for even our own in-state students. Utilization of a system that not only meets the base requirements for technical and certification knowledge but also better prepares our students for the workforce through industry-specific skill sets is an imperative tool for our collective success. The university, on information and belief, has concluded that only one vendor can meet its need or can meet the need economically. That vendor is Linkedin Corporation. The university has provided detailed justification to support its conclusion as shown on the attached Sole Source Justification Form. Although the university has presented this as a sole source procurement, we are seeking competitive information from firms with the capability of meeting the university's need (even if performed in a manner different from what has been presented) to contact us and provide sufficient information to show the need can be met. If we receive that information, the Chief Procurement Officer will offer a public hearing to consider the matter. Hearing information is described below.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the Site License contracts are only available directly from the vendor