University bookstores have identified an ongoing need for the purchase of apparel each year to meet student needs. The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) controls which vendors are able to carry the license to produce Illinois merchandise and only grants licenses to a limited number of apparel manufacturers. As a University, the Bookstore is only able to purchase from those DIA-approved vendors. Because they are both the manufacturer and the only wholesaler of their brand for the collegiate market, Branded Custom Sportswear Inc (BCS) has the quantities, availability and timely delivery (receiving orders turnaround) needed for resale of the licensed products to the customer demand of the University Bookstore. While these products are available from other resellers, the Bookstore, as a reseller itself, would have to buy these products from their competitors at retail pricing, creating an unsustainable business model. The revenue generated by the University Bookstore is needed to support University student programs and activities. Selling the brands that are in demand and keeping those brands in stock and available allows us to capture maximum sales, thereby maximizing the benefit to University student programs and activities. Nike is the leading brand in demand based on experienced apparel buyer's knowledge, collegiate industry sales and history, as well as previous Bookstore sales. IPHEC, on information and belief, has concluded that only one vendor can meet its need or can meet the need economically. That vendor is Branded Custom Sportswear Inc. IPHEC has provided detailed justification to support its conclusion as shown on the attached Sole Source Justification Form. Although IPHEC 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 item or is for Commercial Resale.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the item is to be procured for commercial resale.