Follett Higher Education for Outsourced Bookstore Operations *SOLE SOURCE* RFP

Description: SCSU is retaining the services of Follett Higher Education for outsourced Bookstore Operations through July 31, 2027. Follett is the University’s current bookstore operator, and the existing contract expires in December 2026. The University is relocating bookstore operations from Crawford Zimmerman to a new permanent location in the newly constructed Student Center, creating a one-semester transition period before the new location is available. Engaging a new provider for this limited period would require significant startup investments in inventory, staffing, technology, and operations that could not reasonably be recovered during a six-month term. Continuing with Follett will also ensure continuity of operations during the critical faculty textbook adoption and course-material ordering process and minimize the risk of disruption to students. Therefore, a temporary extension with Follett is considered the only solution to maintain bookstore services until the University can transition to the permanent location and longer-term bookstore arrangement.