Marusso, sent you a lengthy PM. Hopefully you can use some of the info to help you get the course started. PM me if you need other info on them as I get further into the programs.
Prices sound right in line with SSI HQ.
On the gear issue. SSI wants its Dive Cons and instructors to use the gear that the authorized SSI dealer they are working through sells. It's a shop support issue as well as a customer service issue. If the lds sells a specific product and you dive it as a Dive Con or instructor, students will see what you use in class and ask quesitons about that particular gear. On the customer service side, since that brand(s) is sold, possibly serviced, through that particular lds, it makes keeping customers happier as they have less trouble getting gear serviced, repaired, or warrantied by the lds or manufacturer.
BUT, if that lds is telling you that you can't take his/her Dive Con or OWI course because you don't use his gear, find another lds to go through. For example, my lds carries a lot of Oceanic products, but I dive Zeagle Envoy regs, a Zeagle Ranger BCD (bump for Scott), ScubaPro Twin Jet fins, and a Zeus mask I stand behind the products I dive, but am willing to dive his product even if I don't purchase it, he isn't going to push me as long as I "educate" myself on his product line. Educating yourself to a particular lds's product line is the key in promoting their products. Hey, garbage in...garbage out! If they carry garbage products, then simply steer students to other products offered by the lds because you want students to respect your input and skills as a dive leader.
As a dive leader you will be the direct representative for SSI in the eyes of the students you teach. You can greatly influence their decision on gear, how/where/how often they dive, as well as continuing education. That said, explain to that particular lds that you are willing to educate yourself on their product line, but wish to dive YOUR gear. This will give the lds a broader opinion base to follow on gear, which is a positive step for the lds as some students do their own research on gear and WILL ask questions before they buy.