SSP 27_011 Canvas

USM SSP 27_011 Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase of Canvas Catalog.
http://www.ms.gov/dfa/contract_bid_search/Bid
RFx: 3150007062
Comments/objections will be received as required per Section 31-7-13 (C) of the Mississippi Code until
8:00 a.m. (Central Time) on October 12, 2026.
Any person or entity that objects and proposes that the commodity listed is not sole source and can be
provided by another person or entity shall submit a written notice to:
Jacob Cochran
Director of Procurement & Contracts 118 College Dr. Box 5003 Hattiesburg, MS 39406
bids@usm.edu
Phone: 601-266-4131
Subject Line must read "Sole Source Objection USM SSP 27_011"
The notice shall contain a detailed explanation of why the commodity is not a sole source procurement.
Appropriate documentation shall also be submitted if applicable.
If after a review of the submitted notice and documents, USM determines that the commodity in the
proposed sole source request can be provided by another person or entity, then USM will withdraw the
sole source request publication from the procurement portal website and submit the procurement of
the commodity to an advertised competitive bid or selection process.
If USM determines after review that there is only one (1) source for the required commodity, then USM
will appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board. USM will have the burden of proving that the
commodity is only provided by one (1) source.
Run Dates: 9/27, 10/4

The University of Southern Mississippi
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
SSP 27_011
The University of Southern Mississippi anticipates purchasing the item(s) listed below as a sole
source purchase. Anyone objecting to this purchase shall follow the procedures outlined below.
1. Description of the commodity that USM is seeking to procure:
Instructure Canvas Cloud/Catalog
2. What efforts were made by the Agency to determine that the proposed provider is the
only entity that can provide the commodity needed?
REACH MS initially chose Canvas because of its ability to house the entire
training packages within one hub (written material, recordings, videos, resources,
and communication). Many other LMS systems are available but aren't successful
with all pieces of the package.
The ability to integrate a large number of apps for both REACH MS and our users
from MS Hearing-Vision Project makes Canvas superior to any other product
available.
Our users are educators around the state, and many of them use Canvas in their
jobs. Understanding the platform allows them to get right into their training.
3. What efforts were made to ensure the best possible price for the commodity was
obtained?
REACH MS began talking with Instructure in June 2026 to be sure that we had
the best service and price for our needs. We met virtually 6 times and also
emailed to be sure the price was right and that the MS ITS terms were a part of
the contract.
4. Why is the commodity the only one that can meet the needs to the Agency?
REACH MS has over 50 well-established trainings already in Canvas, and with a
staff of 6 people, it would be impossible for us to get the training, including the
written material, recordings, videos and resources moved into a new platform
while trying to continue the rest of our work around the state.
5. Why is the amount expended for the commodity reasonable?
The price that we are paying is fair for the service we are receiving, and it is
withing the budget that we set for a renewal of services.
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The University of Southern Mississippi
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
SSP 27_011
Advertisement Schedule Date
1st scheduled 9/27/26
2nd scheduled 10/4/26
Any person or entity that objects and proposes that the commodity listed is not sole source and can be
provided by another person or entity shall submit a written notice by October 12,2026, 8:00 AM CST, to:
Director of Procurement & Contracts
bids@usm.edu
Subject Line must read "Sole Source Objection 27_XXX"
The notice shall contain a detailed explanation of why the commodity is not a sole source
procurement. Appropriate documentation shall also be submitted if applicable.
If after a review of the submitted notice and documents, USM determines that the commodity in the
proposed sole source request can be provided by another person or entity, then USM will withdraw
the sole source request publication from the procurement portal website and submit the procurement
of the commodity to an advertised competitive bid or selection process.
If USM determines after review that there is only one (1) source for the required commodity, then
USM will appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board. USM will have the burden of proving
that the commodity is only provided by one (1) source.
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