University of Illinois at Chicago
SoleSource #003SKA

Announcement of a Sole Source Purchase

The hearing has been cancelled
Published Tuesday, April 16, 2024
The hearing has been cancelled since no vendors registered to attend or submitted comments regarding this notice.
First published Tuesday, March 26, 2024
The University intends to award a contract for Niche Enrollment Marketing to Niche.com Inc, Pittsburg, PA, for $260,970.
Online student enrollment marketing tool used to enhance UIC's online presence and engagement with prospective students.
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 Niche.com, Inc. 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 item or service is copyrighted or patented and is not available except from the holder of the copyright or patent.

For instructions on how to obtain a comprehensive purchase description, disclosure or contract forms, contact:
Shay Adams
809 S. Marshfield Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 413-0931
FAX: (312) 996-3135
Chief Procurement Officer - Bridget McHatton
State Purchasing Officer - Catherine Bradbury

We will hold a public hearing at the date, time and location specified below, if we receive a request to testify regarding the sole source determination. We will also hold a hearing if any vendor submits a signed statement showing the capability to provide the stated supplies/services at or below the amount indicated.

The public hearing allows any interested party the opportunity to testify for or against the sole source determination as described in this notice. The purpose of the hearing is to receive information from the public in a reasonable manner. Formal rules of evidence will not apply. The hearing officer will produce minutes of the hearing and may record it in order to aid in the production of the minutes. After conclusion of the hearing we will decide whether the sole source determination was appropriate.

We must receive any request to testify and any vendor statement no later than the registration date and time indicated below. If we do not receive a timely request or statement, we will not hold the hearing. We reserve the right to cancel the procurement prior to any scheduled hearing. Please confirm the status of the hearing with the Hearing Contact.

Hearing Details

Date:
April 10, 2024
Time:
9:00 AM
Location:
Stratton Building
Room 511
401 S. Spring Street
Springfield, IL

Hearing Contact:
Catherine Bradbury
Phone: (217) 993-2327
Additional Information: All sole source hearings under the jurisdiction of the Chief Procurement Officer for Higher Education will be conducted by tele-conference only until the in-person option is reinstated.
Date, time, and location are subject to change and/or cancellation. It is the responsibility of potential participants to confirm these details prior to attendance.

Registration Deadline:
April 5, 2024
Register with:
Catherine Bradbury
Phone: (217) 993-2327

The State of Illinois has a policy to encourage prospective vendors to hire qualified veterans, minorities, females, persons with disabilities and ex-offenders.

Documents

To obtain any of the following documents, please log into your Bulletin account.

Sole Source Justification

  • 003SKA.pdf (843 KB)

Sole Source Justification Part 2

  • 003SKAPt2.pdf (85 KB)
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