Competitive Exemption Request Form - Book Creator Software

Seattle Public Schools is seeking approval for a sole-source procurement of Book Creator software under a competitive exemption request, identified by solicitation number SPS260078. The request, posted for seven business days beginning June 24, 2026 and closing on July 2, 2026, justifies non-competitive award under Washington State law RCW 39.04.280(a), citing the software’s unique, proprietary nature and its exclusive ownership by Kami Buyer LLC, doing business as Notable Inc. The software, a digital literacy and creativity platform with read-aloud functionality and student book creation tools, has been in district-wide use since the 2022–23 school year, with license adoption growing from 500 to 2,060 users. The procurement aims to consolidate existing usage, ensure instructional continuity, and eliminate fragmented licensing by securing a one-year term for the 2026–27 school year at a total cost of $87,000. No competitive bidding is required due to the lack of functionally equivalent alternatives and the critical need to preserve existing data, workflows, and educator training investments. The contract does not involve physical goods or traditional delivery terms, as Book Creator is a cloud-based service delivered digitally to all schools within the district. Performance is confined to the 2026–27 academic year, with acceptance based on operational history, user adoption metrics, and educational utility rather than formal inspection protocols. No federal acquisition regulations (FAR) clauses apply, as this is a state-law-driven exemption process under RCW 28A.335.190 and Board Policy 6221. The procurement is supported by a completed internal exemption form, a sole-source justification letter, and public posting on BidLocker, fulfilling state transparency requirements. Approval authority rests with the Assistant Superintendent of Finance, with oversight from Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction staff. No payment details, accounting codes, invoicing systems, or contract administration roles such as COR or COTR are specified. The vendor’s size status, socioeconomic certifications, UEI, or CAGE code are not disclosed, and no option periods or future pricing is defined beyond a planned RFP for renewal at the end of the term.