Bookstore Management Services

The Austin Community College District (ACC) issued a Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) for comprehensive bookstore management services, ultimately awarding the contract to Follett Higher Education Group, LLC. The vendor will assume full responsibility for operating the campus bookstore (including any future locations), providing textbook acquisition, inclusive‑access programs, retail merchandise, and maintaining a secure, integrated e‑commerce platform. The solicitation required a detailed pricing proposal, including a commission rate on gross sales, compliance with PCI‑DSS, TX‑RAMP, FERPA, and WCAG standards, and a minimum staff wage of $23/hour. Evaluation weighted experience, pricing, service quality, and implementation plans, with a small‑business participation target of 30 %. • Operate ACC’s physical and online bookstore, handling new, used, rental, digital, and OER materials. • Provide a PCI‑DSS compliant POS system and a cloud‑based website that integrates with ACC’s SIS, LMS (Blackboard), and Workday financial systems. • Deliver quarterly commission payments to ACC, maintain required insurance/bonds, and meet stringent security and data‑privacy requirements. • Submit detailed pricing (commission rate) and a transition plan; meet a mandatory start date of August 1 2026. • Evaluation based on 65 % written proposal (experience, pricing, service quality, implementation) and 20 % virtual presentation, with additional points for SLBE participation.