BPS Sole-Source Book Contract Criticized

The Massachusetts Inspector General found that Boston Public Schools used a sole-source contract with Multicultural Book World to purchase books available from other vendors. The report also identified mass-market textbook purchases and excessive shipping charges.

Document date · September 15, 2026

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Scope & details

The full contract record, as filed.

Contract type

SUPPLIES

Contract term

2020 – 2024

Renewal

Sole-source procurement arrangement examined in the Inspector General’s report; no renewal terms were provided.

Document type

Agenda

Source document

City of Boston Agenda City Council Order of Business September 16, 2026

Related contracts

Other contracts from Multicultural Book World.

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City of Boston Agenda City Council Order of Business September 16, 2026

DISCUSSED

City of Boston, Massachusetts$56,314.91 in excessive shipping costs out of $105,613.54 in total shipping costsSep 15, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this contract, answered from the record.

Who was awarded the supplies contract by City of Boston?

Multicultural Book World was awarded this supplies contract by City of Boston, as recorded on September 15, 2026.

What type of contract is this?

This is a Supplies contract, documented as a agenda record.

Where was this contract approved?

This contract appears in City of Boston Agenda City Council Order of Business September 16, 2026 (Agenda), dated September 15, 2026 from City of Boston. Civic IQ extracts contract records directly from agency meeting documents and solicitations.

What other contracts does Multicultural Book World hold?

Multicultural Book World may hold additional government contracts. View their full contract history, the agencies they serve, and total tracked spend on their Civic IQ vendor profile.

View Multicultural Book World's profile

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