The Touchnet ePayment Processing & Online eStore Functionality provides the ability for the University to receive credit card payments over the internet. In order to sufficiently comply with credit card industry PCI PA-DSS (Payment Application Data Security Standard, as defined by the PCI Security Standards Council) security requirements, the University is required to have credit card transaction processing hosted by a secure 3rd party. Touchnet is fully compliant with PCI mandates. The University currently uses Touchnet's hosted ePayment Gateway software to receive online payments of tuition, fees and collection of other miscellaneous revenues including daily parking passes, continuing education classes, various seminars, performance ticket purchases, etc. As a result, Touchnet is integrated into a variety of independent applications serving students across the university including Ellucian Banner (NEIU's ERP application). The Touchnet ePayment services and performs all required reporting and processing of PCI security mandates. The hosting is necessary as University employees are not expert in PCI secure website creation or management. Touchnet also provides clearinghouse services by capturing and transferring all daily transactions to our financial institution, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank.

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 critical changes to an existing contract are necessary and best accomplished by the contract holder.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the compatibility of equipment, accessories, replacement parts, or service is a paramount consideration. Grand total is an estimated amount. There will be annual price increases, however, the increase will be no more than 10% per year.