Announcement of a Sole Source Purchase

First published Friday, May 8, 2026

The University intends to award a contract for Exam Grading Software to Turnitin, LLC, Los Angeles, CA, for $166,804.41.

The University has a need to procure Exam Grading Software. This is needed because it integrates directly with our LMS. The end result of this will be seamless assignment collection and review of student submissions. 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 Turnitin, LLC. 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 procurement is software license, upgrade or maintenance.

For instructions on how to obtain a comprehensive purchase description, disclosure or contract forms, contact:

Matthew Thomas
600 Lincoln Avenue
1135 Old Main
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 581-5813

Purchasing Website

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:

May 27, 2026

Time:

9:00 AM

Location:

Stratton Building
Room 511
401 S. Spring Street

Springfield, IL

Hearing Contact:

Catherine Bradbury

Phone: (217) 993-2327

E-mail:Catherine.Bradbury@illinois.gov

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

Registration Deadline:

May 22, 2026

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.