Sole Source Curriculum Based Professional Learning Database

SOLE SOURCE DETERMINATION
THE PROPOSED CONTRACT TERMS ARE ATTACHED TO THIS DETERMINATION
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE): Curriculum and Instruction
Proposed Sole Source Vendor: Tennessee Book Company
Intended Contract Term: 3 years
Anticipated Contract Amount: $700,000
The product or service offered in the contract is:
The platform and services should provide and/or be able to:
A data tracking platform that compares purchases of state-adopted instructional
materials and professional learning to end-of-year assessments (MAAP).
A customizable web-based platform that includes vendors, titles, and ISBNs for state-
endorsed professional learning services and state-adopted academic interventions.
Customizable reports and interactive heat maps based on purchased state-adopted
instructional materials and curriculum-based professional learning compared to state
assessments and student demographics.
A mechanism that allows the LEA textbook coordinator to dispose of purchased
curriculum-based professional learning services and academic interventions and allows
the MDE to approve/deny disposals of services and materials.
A catalog of state-endorsed curriculum-based professional learning services and state-
adopted interventions with current contracted pricing for Mississippi public, accredited
non-public, and special state schools.
Quotes, bundle options, and respond to special delivery instructions.
Training, ongoing customer service, and site management for the MDE staff.
Distribution of curriculum-based professional learning services and academic
interventions to public, accredited non-public, and special state schools.
management account.
Develop an end-of-year task system that will allow the survey system to assess the
effectiveness of the curriculum-based professional learning services and vendors.

SOLE SOURCE DETERMINATION
The product or service described above is the only one that can meet the needs of
the MDE because:
MDE lacks a unified, school-level view of (1) which HQIM and evidence-based interventions
are acquired and in use, (2) which consultants are credentialed for specific HQIM, (3) what
consultant activities actually occur, and (4) how implementation context appears in publicly
reported school-level performance. The absence of this visibility limits targeted coaching,
timely interventions, and coherent policy. The MDE will implement a unified, TIMS-based data
platform (customizing the Tennessee Book Company system) to provide school-level visibility
and alignment.
The proposed sole source vendor is the only person or entity that can provide the
required product or service because:
The Tennessee Book Company possess proprietary rights to and manages the MDE textbook
system (TIMS). The services of this vendor creates an avenue of frictionless adoption regarding
the integration of the proposed platform by customizing the Tennessee Book Company System
to provide school-level visibility and alignment.
The platform will:
Track school-level HQIM acquisitions from TIMS (source of truth).
Verify consultant credentials issued by MDE against specific HQIM and enforce
alignment for all logged activities.
Record school-level consultant engagements (sessions, coaching, dosage) linked to the
exact materials in use.
Overlay publicly available school-level performance (MSRC) to contextualize
implementation without asserting causality.

Sole Source Determination
The MDE conducted the following market analysis in order to ensure that the
service required was practicably available from only one source (any
documentation relevant to the market analysis conducted should be attached to
this determination):
A limited market review was conducted to assess the availability of vendors capable of
providing the required expansion of services. While several vendors offer instructional
materials tracking or professional learning platforms, none were identified that can integrate
full system replacement. TIMS 2.0 is a proprietary platform developed and maintained by the
current vendor, who retains exclusive rights to its source code, system architecture, and
underlying data structures. The requested enhancements Curriculum-Based Professional
Learning and Evidence-Based Academic Interventions require direct modification and
extension of the existing TIMS 2.0 platform, including integration with current High-Quality
Instructional Materials workflows and state reporting requirements.
Due to these proprietary and technical constraints, no third-party vendor can perform the
vendor would necessitate the development or acquisition of an entirely new system, resulting
in significant duplication of cost, extended implementation timelines, and potential disruption
to statewide instructional materials tracking and compliance functions. Accordingly, the
current vendor is the only responsible source capable of delivering the required services within
the necessary
The amount to be expended for products or services is reasonable because:
The proposed platform provides vital acquisition tracking, credential verification, record, and
documentation that ensures school-level visibility and alignment regarding HQIM. Complex
custom platform development prices vary but can cost upwards of $500,000 while
maintenance and support usually costs 15-25% of the initial development. The Tennessee
Textbook Company shall not exceed a charge of $400,000 in the first year for the development
of the platform. Payments will be rendered upon the completion and approval of each item by
the Mississippi Department of Education. Furthermore, the company shall not charge more
than $150,000 in each subsequent year for the maintenance and support of the platform.
These payments are to be made at the commencement of each year.
The MDE conducted a noncompetitive negotiation with the proposed sole source
vendor to obtain the best possible price on the personal or professional service
by:
Conducting direct negotiations with the Tennessee Book Company (TBC), the current operator
of the Mississippi Textbook Information Management System (TIMS), to establish pricing for
the customization, development, hosting, training, and ongoing support of the integrated data
platform. Pricing was reviewed, the scope of services was itemized, and costs were evaluated to
ensure they were reasonable, necessary, and consistent with the needs of the Mississippi
Department of Education.

Sole Source Determination
The purchaser must be able to show specific business objectives that can be met
only through the unique product or services:
The MDE requires a unified statewide data platform that integrates instructional materials
purchasing, curriculum-based professional learning, consultant credentialing, implementation
activities, and publicly reported student performance data within a single system of record. This
platform must:
Operate directly within the existing TIMS infrastructure;
Serve as the authoritative source for all statewide instructional materials and professional
learning data;
Provide real-time reporting and analytics for monitoring HQIM implementation and
investment effectiveness; and
Support statewide policy, accountability, and technical assistance functions.
These business objectives cannot be met through stand-alone products, third-party platforms,
or external data systems because TBC possesses the system functionality to integrate directly
materials system. No
other product, platform, or data system, has that functional ability.
The product or service must be available only from the manufacturer and not
through resellers who could submit competitive pricing for the product or
services:
The requested product and services are available only from the Tennessee Book Company, as
TBC is the exclusive owner, administrator, and system operator of the TIMS platform for the
Mississippi Department of Education. TIMS is a proprietary system developed and maintained
by TBC, and no resellers or third-party vendors have access to the system architecture, source
code, or contractual authority required to modify, customize, or extend the platform.
As a result, the customization and integration services required for this project cannot be
competitively procured through resellers or alternative vendors without duplicating the entire
TIMS system, which would be impractical, cost-prohibitive, and would compromise data
integrity and statewide coherence.
Schedule
Task Date
First Advertisement Date April 23, 2026
Second Advertisement Date April 30, 2026
Response Deadline from Objectors May 7,2026 by 2:00pm
Notice of Award/No Award Posted No later than May 8, 2026

Sole Source Determination
InstructionstoFileanObjectiontothisSoleSourceDetermination:
Any person or entity who objects to the determination that the proposed vendor is the sole
provider of the personal or professional services described herein should file an objection with
the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE).
The objection must provide a detailed explanation of why the personal or professional
service provider is not a sole source;
identify the Agency/company/entity that provide the exact same services;
identify the proposed Sole Source Vendor; state the RFIN Number RFx: 3150006731 for
the sole source determination and the date that determination was first published (if
available);
and identify the objecting party to include valid contact information by which the
objecting party can be immediately reached by the MDE
Timely submission of the objection is the sole responsibility of the objecting party, and the
objecting party bears all risk regarding delivery of the objection. Objections received after the
deadline will not be considered by the MDE.
Any such objection should be clearly labelled TO SOLE SOURCE
and should be submitted to the following:
Mailing Address:
Monique Corley, Director
Office Of Procurement
The Mississippi Department of Education
Curriculum Based Professional Learning Database
359 North West Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Electronic Mail Only:
SoleSourceObjections@mdek12.org
Once an objection to the sole source determination is filed, the MDE may withdraw the sole
source determination and competitively procure the service. The MDE will have the burden to
prove the proposed vendor is a sole source provider of the personal or professional services
needed by the MDE. If any reasonable doubt as to whether the personal or professional service
can only be provided by one source, then the MDE must competitively procure the service.

ALNNumber Title ofFederalProgram Federal Award Number
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MAGIC Shopping Cart
Contract Number
NIGP Code
INDEPENDENT CONTRACT SIGNATURE SHEET
THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P. O. BOX 771
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39205
Contractor's Contact Person and Telephone Number:
Contractor's Name and Address Todd Svec (404) 987-2212
Tennessee Book Company, Inc. The MDE Tracking Number:
dba Ingram Education Services (IES)
1550 Heil Quaker Boulevard Dates of Contract: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029
LaVergne, TN 37086
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The following funds are obligated:
GENERAL FEDERAL/OTHER FUNDS TOTAL
$ 700,000 $ $700,000
Contractor agrees to carry out tasks outlined in this contract in accordance with all provisions of this
contract included herein. The following sections are attached and incorporated into this agreement:
X Statement of Work Reporting Requirements
X Special Conditions X Standard Terms and Conditions
Budget Narrative Other: ____________
Approved for the Mississippi Department of Contractor hereby agrees to the terms and
Education conditions specified in the contract and assures
of the legal authority to enter into said contract.
Contractor further certifies that there is no
_________________________ _____________ conflict of interest and that the appropriate
Signature Date leave will be taken to perform the work outlined
Name: Wendy Clemons in the contract.
Title: Chief Academic Officer
____________________ _____________
_________________________ _____________ Signature Date
Signature Date Name: Todd Svec
Name: Monique Corley Title: Vice President
Title: Director, Office of Procurement
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A. INTRODUCTION
The contract between the Mississippi Department of Education (hereinafter referred to as the
"MDE") and Tennessee Book Company, Inc. dba Ingram Education Services (IES) (hereinafter
referred to as the "Contractor or Tennessee Book Company, Inc. dba Ingram Education Services
(IES)") is for the purpose of Curriculum-Based Professional Learning Database. The term of the
contract is July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029.
The MDE will pay Contractor an amount not to exceed $700,000 for FY27-FY29.
Based upon the Internal Revenue Service Code, Contractor has been classified as an independent
contractor and will not be subject to withholding.
B. STATEMENT OF WORK
Contractor will fulfill all terms and conditions as outlined in the documents listed below.
Attachment 1: Request for Quote Curriculum-Based Professional Learning Database
Attachment 2: Cost Proposal submitted by Tennessee Book Company, Inc. dba Ingram
Education Services (IES): Curriculum-Based Professional Learning Database
C. NOTICES
All notices required or permitted to be given under this agreement must be in writing and personally
delivered or sent by certified United States mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the
party to whom the notice should be given at the address set forth below. Notice shall be deemed given
when actually received or when refused. The parties agree to promptly notify each other in writing of
any change of address.
For Contractor: Todd Svec, 1550 Heil Quaker Boulevard, LaVergne, TN 37086 (404) 987-2212
For the Agency: Mathis Sheriff, PO Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205 (601) 359 - 2586
D. PRIORITY
The contract consists of the original agreement, the MS Department of Education's Request for
Quotes for Curriculum-Based Professional Learning Database (hereinafter referred to as "RFQ"
and/or "Attachment 1"), and the response quote by Tennessee Book Company, Inc. dba Ingram
Education Services (IES) (hereinafter referred to as "Quote" and/or "Attachment 2"). Attachment 3
Data Sharing Agreement (if applicable). Any ambiguities, conflicts or questions of interpretations of
this contract shall be resolved by first by reference to this agreement and its' modifications in order
of effective date and, if still unresolved, by reference to RFQ and, if still unresolved, by reference to
the Quote. Omission of any term or obligation from this agreement, modifications, or incorporated
attachments shall not be deemed an omission from this contract if such term or obligation is provided
for elsewhere in this contract.
E. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The Contractor shall satisfy reporting requirements as stated in the solicitation, if applicable.
F. SPECIAL CONDITIONS
If applicable, based on the solicitation, the following special condition shall apply:
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1. PERFORMANCE BONDS
Within ten (10) days of execution of contract and prior to commencement of services under this
agreement, Contractor shall provide the Mississippi Department of Education with a Performance
Bond in the amount of this agreement, which bond shall be maintained for the prompt and faithful
performance of all Contractor's obligations under this agreement by a surety or sureties that are
acceptable to the Mississippi Department of Education.
2. MATERIAL CHANGES TO PRODUCT
Contractor shall not make any material changes to products/deliverables under this agreement
without prior written notification to the MDE and approved by the MDE. Any changes shall be made
in writing, clearly stating the changes being affected and shall be duly executed by an authorized
representative of MDE and Contractor.
G. DATA SHARING AGREEMENT
The execution of a Data Sharing Agreement shall be required prior to the release of any student
level data by the Mississippi Department of Education. Failure to adhere to the provisions of the
Data Sharing Agreement may result in termination of the contract and/or may result in denial of
subsequent renewal requests.
H. ETHICS
In compliance with State law, Contractor who is employed by a public entity agrees to arrange
with his/her employer to take the appropriate leave (annual, professional, compensatory, etc.)
during the period of service covered by this contract. Contractor also agrees not to utilize
resources of the public employer to perform the services pursuant to this contract. Prior to
execution of this contract, Contractor must submit to the MDE a Certification (on the MDE form)
executed from his/her employer whereby the public employer acknowledges that it is aware of its
employee working for the MDE.
Additionally, if applicable Contractor agrees to comply with Miss. Code Ann. 25-4-105 and may
be subject to civil and criminal penalties if found violating the conflict of interest provisions of State
law.
I. STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Certain terms and conditions are required for contracting. Therefore, the Contractor shall
assure agreement and compliance with the following standard terms and conditions.
1. ACCESS TO RECORDS
Contractor agrees that the MDE, or any of its duly authorized representatives, at any time during the
term of this agreement, shall have access to, and the right to audit and examine any pertinent books,
documents, papers, and records of Contractor related to Contractor's charges and performance
under this agreement. Such records shall be kept by Contractor for a period of three (3) years after
final payment under this agreement, unless the MDE authorizes their earlier disposition. Contractor
agrees to refund to the MDE any overpayment disclosed by any such audit. However, if any litigation,
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claim, negotiation, audit or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration
of 3-year period, the records shall be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all
issues which arise from it.
2. ANTI-ASSIGNMENT/SUBCONTRACTING
Contractor acknowledges that it was selected by the State to perform the services required hereunder
based, in part, upon Contractor's special skills and expertise. Contractor shall not assign,
subcontract, or otherwise transfer this agreement, in whole or in part, without the prior written
consent of the State, which the State may, in its sole discretion, approve or deny without reason. Any
attempted assignment or transfer of its obligations without such consent shall be null and void. No
such approval by the State of any subcontract shall be deemed in any way to provide for the
incurrence of any obligation of the State in addition to the total fixed price agreed upon in this
agreement. Subcontracts shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this agreement and to any
conditions of approval that the State may deem necessary. Subject to the foregoing, this agreement
shall be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties.
3. APPLICABLE LAW
The contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Mississippi, excluding its conflicts of laws provisions, and any litigation with respect thereto shall be
brought in the courts of Mississippi.
4. APPROVAL
It is understood that if this contract requires approval by the Mississippi Department of
Information Technology Services (ITS) and/or the Information Technology Services' Board (ITS
Board) and if this contract is not approved by the ITS board, it is void and no payment shall be
made hereunder.
5. ATTORNEY'S FEES AND EXPENSES
In the event Contractor defaults on any obligations under this Agreement, Contractor shall pay to
the MDE all costs and expenses, without limitation, incurred by the MDE in enforcing this
Agreement or reasonably related to enforcing this Agreement. This includes but is not limited to
investigative fees, court costs, and attorneys' fees. Under no circumstances shall the MDE be
obligated to pay attorneys' fees or legal costs to Contractor.
6. AUTHORITY OF SIGNATORY
Contractor acknowledges that the individual executing the contract on behalf of the MDE is doing
so in his or her official capacity only. To the extent any provision contained in the contract exceeds
the signatory's authority, Contractor agrees that it will not look to that individual in his or her
personal capacity or otherwise seek to hold him or her individually liable for exceeding such
authority.
7. AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT
Contractor warrants: (1) that it is a validly organized business with valid authority to enter into
this agreement; (2) that it is qualified to do business and in good standing in the State of
Mississippi; (3) that entry into and performance under this agreement is not restricted or
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prohibited by any loan, security, financing, contractual, or other agreement of any kind; and, (4)
notwithstanding any other provision of this agreement to the contrary, that there are no existing
legal proceedings or prospective legal proceedings, either voluntary or otherwise, which may
adversely affect its ability to perform its obligations under this agreement.
8. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
It is expressly understood and agreed that the obligation of the MDE to proceed under this
agreement is conditioned upon the appropriation of funds by the Mississippi State Legislature
and the receipt of appropriated funds. If the funds anticipated for the continuing time fulfillment
of the agreement are, at any time, not forthcoming or insufficient, regardless of the source of
funding, the MDE shall the right upon 10 business days written notice to Contractor, to terminate
this agreement without damage, penalty, cost, or expense to the MDE of any kind whatsoever.
The effective date of the termination shall be as specified in the notice of termination.
9. BACKGROUND CHECKS
Contractor and/or its employees represents neither has ever been convicted or pled guilty or entered
a plea of nolo contendere to a felony in any court of the state of Mississippi, another state, or in federal
court in which public funds were unlawfully taken, obtained or misappropriated in the abuse of
misuse of any office or employment or money coming into its hands by virtue of any office or
employment. Contractor and/or its employees agrees to an initial criminal background check to be
performed as well as subsequent criminal background checks that may be necessary and all charges
associated with these criminal background checks will be the responsibility of Contractor, if
applicable. Any disqualifying information received from the criminal background check will render
this agreement null and void.
10. BOARD APPROVAL
It is understood that if this contract requires approval by the Mississippi State Board of Education,
and this contract is not approved by the Mississippi State Board of Education, it is void and no
payment shall be made hereunder.
11. CHANGES IN SCOPE OF WORK
The MDE may order changes in the work consisting of additions, deletions, or other revisions within
the general scope of the contract. No claims may be made by Contractor that the scope of the project
or of Contractor's services has been changed, requiring changes to the amount of compensation to
Contractor or other adjustments to the contract, unless such changes or adjustments have been made
by written amendment to the contract signed by the MDE and Contractor.
If Contractor believes that any work is not within the scope of the project, is a material change, or
will otherwise require more compensation to Contractor, Contractor must immediately notify the
MDE in writing of this belief. If the MDE believes that the work is within the scope of the contract as
written, Contractor will be ordered to and shall continue with the work as changes and at the cost
stated for the work within the contract.
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