# Illinois BidBuy #27-586SBE-FINAN-B-54659

Reduced-cost College Board AP exams for qualifying low-income students

**Posted:** October 26, 2026
**Respond By:** November 18, 2026
**Identifier:** 27-586SBE-FINAN-B-54659
**NAICS:** 611710

The Illinois State Board of Education is seeking reduced-cost Advanced Placement exams for qualifying low-income students through a sole-source arrangement with **The College Board**.
- **Government buyer:** Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Department of Standards and Instruction.
- **Named provider and proprietary exam administrator:** **The College Board**, which owns the AP trademark and is identified as the only vendor administering AP exams.
- **Requested item:** Advanced Placement (AP) exams for qualifying low-income students; the number of exams is not specified, and no part number is provided.
- **Cost terms:** ISBE’s proposed commitment is capped at $2,500,000. ISBE reimburses at least $33 per eligible exam that is used, while the final fee charged to a public school for a fee-reduced student is capped at $20 per exam. ISBE is not responsible for unused exams.
- **Notable requirement:** The College Board invoices districts for fee-reduced exams and bills ISBE for the state reimbursement on used exams. AP exam scores of 3 or higher are recognized for college credit under Illinois law.

### Description

The Illinois State Board of Education intends to award a sole-source contract to The College Board for Advanced Placement (AP) exam fees at a reduced cost for qualifying low-income students taking exams in Spring 2027. The College Board will provide the exams and invoice the agency for state reimbursements; the source states a not-to-exceed value of $2,500,000. The notice requests written comments or a written request from interested parties to prevent cancellation of the hearing.

[View original listing](https://www.bidbuy.illinois.gov/bso/external/bidDetail.sda?docId=27-586SBE-FINAN-B-54659&external=true&parentUrl=close)