Announcement of a Sole Source Purchase

The hearing has been cancelledPublished Monday April 3, 2023The hearing has been cancelled since no vendors registered to attend or submitted comments regarding this notice. First published Thursday, March 16, 2023 The University intends to award a contract for gas cabinet upgrades to Critical Systems, Inc., Boise, ID, for an estimated $394,868.05. The University has a need to upgrade their gas cabinets. This is needed as required by federal regulations, to reduce utilities installation costs, reduce downtime and allow for integration into a network. The result will be cabinets which meet regulations under NFPA 318 & 55, and resolve several safety violations. The university, on information and belief, has concluded that only one vendor can meet its need or can meet the need economically. That vendor is Critical Systems, Inc who installed the original cabinets and provide the proprietary upgrade parts. The university has provided detailed justification to support its conclusion as

shown on the attached Sole Source Justification Form. Although the university has presented this as a sole source procurement, we are seeking competitive information from firms with the capability of meeting the universitys need (even if performed in a manner different from what has been presented) to contact us and provide sufficient information to show the need can be met. If we receive that information, the Chief Procurement Officer will offer a public hearing to consider the matter. Hearing information is described below The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the compatibility of equipment, accessories, replacement parts, or service is a paramount consideration. . For instructions on how to obtain a comprehensive purchase description, disclosure or contract forms, contact:Michelle Griffen Phone: (217) 244-8770 Purchasing Website Chief Procurement Officer - John Donato State Purchasing Officer - Catherine Bradbury We will hold a public hearing at the date, time and location specified below, if we receive a request to testify regarding the sole source determination. We will also hold a hearing if any vendor submits a signed statement showing the capability to provide the stated supplies/services at or below the amount indicated. The public hearing allows any interested party the opportunity to testify for or against the sole source determination as described in this notice. The purpose of the hearing is to receive information from the public in a reasonable manner. Formal rules of evidence will not apply. The hearing officer will produce minutes of the hearing and may record it in order to aid in the production of the minutes. After conclusion of the hearing we will decide whether the sole source determination was appropriate. We must receive any request to testify and any vendor statement no later than the registration date and time indicated below. If we do not receive a timely request or statement, we will not hold the hearing.We reserve the right to cancel the procurement prior to any scheduled hearing. Please confirm the status of the hearing with the Hearing Contact. Hearing Details Date: April 5, 2023 Time: 9:00 AM Location: IL Hearing Contact: Catherine BradburyPhone: (217) 993-2327E-mail: Catherine.Bradbury@illinois.gov Additional Information: All sole source hearings under the jurisdiction of the Chief Procurement Officer for Higher Education will be conducted by tele-conference only until the in-person option is reinstated Date, time, and location are subject to change and/or cancellation. It is the responsibility of potential participants to confirm these details prior to attendance. Registration Registration Deadline: March 31, 2023 Register with: Catherine BradburyPhone: (217) 993-2327E-mail: Catherine.Bradbury@illinois.gov