26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-51008 SSJF Part I.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-51008

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

Sole Source Justification Form - Part I Section I - General Information

Department/Bureau/Section: Illinois Century Network

Need Identified Date: Dec 16, 2025 Supply/Service Need By Date: Mar 4, 2026

Project Title: In-Line Amplification (ILA) Huts

Vendor: Level 3 Communications LLC DBA Lumen Technologies

Provide a description of the supplies or services required:

The State of Illinois requires access to fiber along the I-55 corridor at designated In-Line Amplification (ILA) sites and must house equipment in environmentally controlled and managed facilities. These ILA sites are strategically located along the corridor to support long-haul fiber connectivity.

Lumen Technologies (formerly Century Link and Level 3 Communications) owns and operates the In-Line Amplification sites along the I-55 corridor.

These sites contain proprietary optical amplification equipment housed in secure huts. No other vendor has legal access or authorization to service, modify or provide space within this infrastructure. Therefore, Lumen Technologies is the sole source capable of providing the required services for this procurement.

The State's Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) for the Illinois Century Network (ICN) was originally issued with a term of twenty (20) years. The Department of Innovation and Technology retains rights to the existing fiber for a remaining term of four (4) years and ten (10) months.

Value: Estimated Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 574,200

Will this Sole Source amend a Professional or Artistic Services contract? Yes No

*Sole Source may not be used for amendments for Professional or Artistic Services if the amendment would increase the value by more than 5% of the initial award or extend the term by more than 60 days.

Type: New Sole Economically Feasible Source

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-51008

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

Section II - Proposed Term

One-Time Purchase Term Contract

Estimated Contract Begin Date: Mar 25, 2026

Estimated Contract End Date: January 31, 2031

Number of Potential Renewals: 0

Length of Each Renewal in Months: 0

Total Value of All Renewals: 0

If a Term Contract, does the term, including renewals, exceed 12 months? Yes No

If yes, provide a detailed justification including any economic benefit received for agreeing to a multi-year term:

Fiber IRUs are typically issued with a standard term of twenty (20) years. DoIT retains rights to the existing fiber for a remaining period of five (5) years. Under normal circumstances, Lumen Technologies requires a minimum contract term of sixty (60) months for the Huts services covered under this agreement.

The existing Lumen fiber IRU contract expires on January 31, 2031. In order to align terms and avoid creating multiple staggered contract periods, DoIT is requesting that the new Huts contract be co-terminous with the existing IRU agreement. This results in a contract term of four (4) years and ten (10) months. Lumen has agreed to allow a term shorter than their standard five-year minimum specifically to enable DoIT to co-term these agreements.

Failure to allow this SEFS would place the State at significant operational risk. Without this agreement, the State could lose access to critical fiber infrastructure and jeopardize the IRU assets. Loss of this connectivity would result in widespread disruption to stateside data services, including the Illinois Century Network, impacting State agencies, K-12 schools, and numerous other entities that rely on the ICN for essential network services.

Section III - Funding Source Select the type of funding to be used (Check all that apply): State Appropriate Funds Federal Funds Other (Explain):

Section IV - Sole Source Justification

This purchase is economically only available from a single source primarily because it is: (If "Other" explain in one sentence)

Compatibility of Equipment, Accessories, Replacement Parts or Service

Are there secondary justification(s) for this sole source? Yes No

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-51008

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

Section V - Purchase History

Has the Agency or University Purchased these supplies or services in the past? Yes No

Term Term From Term To Value Description Contract Number Type

1 Feb 17, 2021 Feb 16, 2026 750,000 New Sole Source Contract P-29881 Sole Source

2 Nov 30, 2018 Nov 29, 2020 0 Amendment/change order to extend contract to 11/29/20 on P-587 P-587/CIC6904330A Amendment

3 Nov 30, 2015 Nov 29, 2018 750,000 New Sole Source contract on PBC 90433 P-587/CIC6904330 Sole Source

4 Nov 30, 2013 Nov 29, 2015 468,267 Renewal of Sole Source Contract for 24 months CIC1570290A Renewal

5 Nov 30, 2010 Nov 29, 2013 702,400 New Sole Source Contract for 36 month initial term with 24 month renewal

CIC1570290 Sole Source

If more than 10, or if other comments, explain:

Section VI - Business Rationale

1. Provide a detailed explanation of the need for the supplies or services:

The Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) through the Illinois Century Network (ICN) has developed a State-owned fiber network to reduce and ultimately eliminate reliance on leased lines and third-party telecommunications providers. DoIT currently holds Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRUs) for eight (8) fiber strands that terminate in environmentally controlled huts owned and operated by Lumen Technologies, (formerly Level 3 Communications).

An IRU agreement was originally executed with Williams Communications, now Lumen Technologies, governing the State's co-location and use of the State's fiber within these facilities. This agreement provides the framework for procuring essential services and equipment, including network racks, conduit, fiber splicing, a 20-amp 48 VDC power unit, installation services, and associated monthly recurring charges necessary to activate and expand utilization of the existing fiber infrastructure.

Fiber IRUs are typically issued with a standard term of twenty (20) years. DoIT retains rights to the existing fiber for a remaining period of five (5) years. Under normal circumstances, Lumen Technologies requires a minimum contract term of four (4) years and ten (10) months for the Huts services covered under this agreement, which is separate from the IRU term.

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-51008

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

2. Provide a list and describe in detail the specifications required to satisfy the need:

DoIT holds Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRUs) to eight (8) fiber strands that terminate in environmentally controlled huts owned and operated by Lumen Technologies. An IRU agreement was executed with Williams Communications (now Lumen Technologies), establishing the terms for co-location and use of the State-owned fiber within these facilities.

To activate, operate, and expand utilization of the existing fiber infrastructure, the following goods and services are required under the proposed contract:

- Network racks and related mounting hardware to securely house networking equipment within the huts.

- Conduit and pathway infrastructure to provide proper cable management and physical protection for fiber connections.

- Fiber splicing and termination services to connect and activate fiber strands for network operations.

- 20-amp, 48 VDC power to supply reliable power for optical amplification and networking equipment.

- Installation and activation services to ensure proper setup and integration of all components.

- Associated monthly recurring charges for ongoing access, maintenance, and support of the above services.

3. Provide detail explaining the justification selected in Section IV to explain why the requested supplies or services are the only ones available that can satisfy the agency or university requirements?

Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink/Level 3 Communications) is the incumbent and the only vendor with In-Line Amplification (ILA) huts strategically located along the I-55 corridor on the same routes as the State’s fiber network. These huts are essential for housing optical amplification equipment and providing the controlled environment required for network operations.

The State’s fiber strands terminate within these Lumen-owned facilities under an existing Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) agreement. No other vendor has legal access or authorization to provide co-location, power, or maintenance services within these huts. Additionally, conduit and fiber infrastructure are classified as utilities under Illinois law for locating purposes (JULIE), further reinforcing Lumen’s exclusive control of these assets.

As a result, Lumen Technologies is the only provider capable of delivering the required services to activate, operate, and maintain the State’s fiber network along this corridor.

4. What are the unique features of the supplies or services that are not available in any other product or by any other vendor? Provide specific quantifiable factors/qualifications:

Constructing new In-Line Amplification (ILA) huts is not a viable option. Replicating the existing infrastructure would cost an estimated $4.5 million and introduce significant delays. Additionally, the State’s fiber strands terminate inside Lumen Technologies’ facilities under an existing IRU agreement, making Lumen the only vendor with legal access to provide co-location, power, and environmental controls.

Unique features provided by Lumen Technologies include:

- Exclusive ownership and control of existing ILA huts along the State’s fiber route.

- Established IRU agreement enabling co-location and integration without duplicating infrastructure.

- Existing power and environmental systems designed for optical amplification equipment.

- Direct connectivity to the State’s fiber strands, eliminating the need for costly new construction.

5. Has the Agency or University considered alternative supplies or services to satisfy their need? Yes No

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-51008

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

5a. If no, why weren't alternatives evaluated?

The State’s investment in the existing fiber infrastructure exceeds $3 million. Replacing nearly 300 miles of fiber and constructing new ILA huts, including costs for IDOT permits, land acquisition, and construction, would impose an unnecessary financial burden on DoIT and the State. Any third-party vendor attempting to replicate this infrastructure would still need to interconnect with the existing fiber at an estimated cost of $150,000 per quarter-mile. The total cost to replace this backbone with State-owned fiber is estimated to exceed $60 million and could take up to three years, as no other vendor maintains huts along this route. This cost far exceeds the proposed contract with Lumen Technologies.

Lumen Technologies’ involvement is unavoidable. While the State holds IRUs to the fiber, Lumen retains ownership of the physical fiber and controls access to the facilities. Because multiple customers share the conduit housing the fiber, only Lumen personnel are authorized to interface with the fiber or work within the splice huts. Fiber IRUs have a standard term of twenty (20) years; DoIT retains rights to the fiber for an additional four (4 ) years and ten (10) months and will occupy these locations for at least that duration.

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

Yes No N/A

7. What efforts were made to get the best possible price (i.e. did the agency/university negotiate) and how did you determine the price for this purchase is considered fair and reasonable?

Vendor Pricing Summary for Upcoming Contract

The vendor-provided line-item pricing for the next contract term is attached.

Installation Charges Installation costs for the rack, battery, customer-provided conduit, fiber splicing, and time-and-materials labor remain unchanged since 2021, representing a 0% increase.

Monthly Recurring Charges 19-inch Open Rack: Increased from $875 to $1,000 per month (14.3% increase).

Battery: Increased from $190 to $380 per month; however, capacity doubled from 10A to 20A at 48 VDC, resulting in no effective cost increase per amp.

Customer-Provided Fiber Conduit Fee:

Remains at $1,500 per month (0% increase).

Summary: 7 of 8 line items remain unchanged; only the Open Rack monthly charge increased by 14.3%.

Estimated 5-Year Cost (Current Configuration)

- 2 Conduit Fees: $3,000/month × 58 months = $174,000

- 5 Open Racks: $5,000/month × 58 months = $290,000

- 5 DC Power Feeds: $1,900/month × 58 months = $110,200 Total Current Cost: $574,200

The State has forecast a potential future need for two additional amplification huts along this fiber path, which may need to be added during the resulting contract term. The specific scope, locations, and costs are currently unknown and would be addressed through a subsequent statement of work and contract change order when appropriate.

8. Will this purchase obligate the State to this vendor for future purchases such as maintenance, licensing or continuing need?

Yes No

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-51008

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

9. What will be the financial or other impact to the State if this sole source is not approved and a competitive bid is required?

The State has invested over $3 million in fiber infrastructure currently owned and operated by Lumen Technologies. Lumen holds proprietary rights to the fiber and ILA huts along the I-55 corridor, meaning no other vendor can access or utilize these assets.

Transitioning away would require: trenching and installing new fiber, building new ILA huts, and securing permits, land, and construction.

Estimated cost: $150,000 per quarter mile for interconnection alone. Full replacement would require approximately 300 miles of new fiber, costing over $60 million and taking up to three years; jeopardizing critical State network continuity.

Because Lumen owns the existing infrastructure, alternatives are not only cost-prohibitive but operationally impractical.

10. Is there any additional information you would like to add to justify this sole source?

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-51008

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

Section VII

Requesting Department Representative

Requesting Department Signature Required

I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed.

Date Mar 11, 2026

Printed Name Shelley Pethy E-mail Address shelley.a.pethy@illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-7825545

State Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director Approval and Signature Required

I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed. (All prior form fields will lock once this e-signature is completed)

E-mail Address christopher.brinkmeyer@illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-685-4682 Date Mar 11, 2026

Printed Name Chris Brinkmeyer

Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director and Not a Designee

SPO Approval and Signature Required

I have reviewed and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and agree with the State Agency or University determination.

I have reviewed and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and do not agree with the State Agency or University determination. As a result, the State Agency or University must explore other sourcing methods to satisfy their need.

State Purchasing Officer Signature Phone Number 217-685-9312 Date Mar 11, 2026

Printed Name Joshua Sergent E-mail Address joshua.sergent@illinois.gov

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-51008

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

Sole Source Justification Form - Part II Section I - General Information

Project Title

Vendor

Initial Date of Procurement Bulletin Posting

Was a Sole Source hearing held per 30 ILCS 500/20-25?

Yes - Complete Section II and III below (Section II will only be visible when this option is selected)

No - Section II not required, go to Section III below Section III - CPO Approval and Signature Required

Based on my review, I authorize the Agency/University to proceed in accordance with the published Notice referenced above.

Based upon my review, I authorize the Agency/University to proceed with the following Changes.

Based on my review, the Agency/University is not authorized to proceed with this sole source as presented and my recommendation is that it be cancelled.

Other

CPO Signature CPO Phone

Printed Name Date

CPO E-mail

Version 7.01 Page of Sole Source Justification Form - Part I Section I - General Information Will this Sole Source amend a Professional or Artistic Services contract?

If yes, what was the original contract value?

*Sole Source may not be used for amendments for Professional or Artistic Services if the amendment would increase the value by more than 5% of the initial award or extend the term by more than 60 days.

Section II - Proposed Term If a Term Contract, does the term, including renewals, exceed 12 months?

If yes, provide a detailed justification including any economic benefit received for agreeing to a multi-year term:

Section III - Funding Source Select the type of funding to be used (Check all that apply):

Section IV - Sole Source Justification Are there secondary justification(s) for this sole source?

Section V - Purchase History Has the Agency or University Purchased these supplies or services in the past?

Term Term From Term To Value Description Contract Number Type Section VI - Business Rationale

1. Provide a detailed explanation of the need for the supplies or services:

2. Provide a list and describe in detail the specifications required to satisfy the need:

3. Provide detail explaining the justification selected in Section IV to explain why the requested supplies or services are the only ones available that can satisfy the agency or university requirements?

4. What are the unique features of the supplies or services that are not available in any other product or by any other vendor? Provide specific quantifiable factors/qualifications:

5. Has the Agency or University considered alternative supplies or services to satisfy their need?

5a. If yes, name the alternative vendors whose supplies or services were evaluated:

5b. If yes, what were the alternatives for each vendor and why were they unacceptable? Be specific with regard to features, characteristics, requirements, capabilities and compatibility:

5c. Explain how the market evaluation was conducted?

*This evaluation is to determine available options within a market. If the evaluation is to determine quality or best suited option, this is not the appropriate source selection. Under no circumstances shall the evaluation consist of testing alternative options. These activities must be conducted in a competitive transparent environment (i.e. IFB or RFP).

5a. If no, why weren't alternatives evaluated?

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

7. What efforts were made to get the best possible price (i.e. did the agency/university negotiate) and how did you determine the price for this purchase is considered fair and reasonable?

8. Will this purchase obligate the State to this vendor for future purchases such as maintenance, licensing or continuing need?

8a. If yes, please provide details regarding future obligations and/or needs:

9. What will be the financial or other impact to the State if this sole source is not approved and a competitive bid is required?

10. Is there any additional information you would like to add to justify this sole source?

Section VII Requesting Department Signature Required I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed.

State Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director Approval and Signature Required I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed. (All prior form fields will lock once this e-signature is completed) SPO Approval and Signature Required Sole Source Justification Form - Part II Section I - General Information Was a Sole Source hearing held per 30 ILCS 500/20-25?

Section II - Sole Source Hearing Details The State posted to the Illinois Procurement Bulletin a description of the State's need, the justification for the sole source decision, and information regarding the opportunity to submit comments and testify at a public hearing. Notice of the hearing was also posted outside of the hearing room 48 hours prior to the hearing.

The public hearing was conducted for the purpose of receiving testimony regarding the sole source determination. The Hearing Officer recommends the following:

The following relevant documents are attached:

Section III - CPO Approval and Signature Required 9.0.0.2.20101008.1.734229

The State of Illinois requires access to fiber along the I-55 corridor at designated In-Line Amplification (ILA) sites and must house equipment in environmentally controlled and managed facilities. These ILA sites are strategically located along the corridor to support long-haul fiber connectivity.

Lumen Technologies (formerly Century Link and Level 3 Communications) owns and operates the In-Line Amplification sites along the I-55 corridor. These sites contain proprietary optical amplification equipment housed in secure huts. No other vendor has legal access or authorization to service, modify or provide space within this infrastructure. Therefore, Lumen Technologies is the sole source capable of providing the required services for this procurement.

The State's Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) for the Illinois Century Network (ICN) was originally issued with a term of twenty (20) years. The Department of Innovation and Technology retains rights to the existing fiber for a remaining term of four (4) years and ten (10) months.

The existing Lumen fiber IRU contract expires on January 31, 2031. In order to align terms and avoid creating multiple staggered contract periods, DoIT is requesting that the new Huts contract be co-terminous with the existing IRU agreement. This results in a contract term of four (4) years and ten (10) months. Lumen has agreed to allow a term shorter than their standard five-year minimum specifically to enable DoIT to co-term these agreements.

Failure to allow this SEFS would place the State at significant operational risk. Without this agreement, the State could lose access to critical fiber infrastructure and jeopardize the IRU assets. Loss of this connectivity would result in widespread disruption to stateside data services, including the Illinois Century Network, impacting State agencies, K-12 schools, and numerous other entities that rely on the ICN for essential network services.

An IRU agreement was originally executed with Williams Communications, now Lumen Technologies, governing the State's co-location and use of the State's fiber within these facilities. This agreement provides the framework for procuring essential services and equipment, including network racks, conduit, fiber splicing, a 20-amp 48 VDC power unit, installation services, and associated monthly recurring charges necessary to activate and expand utilization of the existing fiber infrastructure.

Fiber IRUs are typically issued with a standard term of twenty (20) years. DoIT retains rights to the existing fiber for a remaining period of five (5) years. Under normal circumstances, Lumen Technologies requires a minimum contract term of four (4) years and ten (10) months for the Huts services covered under this agreement, which is separate from the IRU term.

Q2Answer: DoIT holds Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRUs) to eight (8) fiber strands that terminate in environmentally controlled huts owned and operated by Lumen Technologies. An IRU agreement was executed with Williams Communications (now Lumen Technologies), establishing the terms for co-location and use of the State-owned fiber within these facilities.

To activate, operate, and expand utilization of the existing fiber infrastructure, the following goods and services are required under the proposed contract:

- Network racks and related mounting hardware to securely house networking equipment within the huts.

- Conduit and pathway infrastructure to provide proper cable management and physical protection for fiber connections.

- Fiber splicing and termination services to connect and activate fiber strands for network operations.

- 20-amp, 48 VDC power to supply reliable power for optical amplification and networking equipment.

- Installation and activation services to ensure proper setup and integration of all components.

- Associated monthly recurring charges for ongoing access, maintenance, and support of the above services.

Q3Answer: Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink/Level 3 Communications) is the incumbent and the only vendor with In-Line Amplification (ILA) huts strategically located along the I-55 corridor on the same routes as the State’s fiber network. These huts are essential for housing optical amplification equipment and providing the controlled environment required for network operations.

The State’s fiber strands terminate within these Lumen-owned facilities under an existing Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) agreement. No other vendor has legal access or authorization to provide co-location, power, or maintenance services within these huts. Additionally, conduit and fiber infrastructure are classified as utilities under Illinois law for locating purposes (JULIE), further reinforcing Lumen’s exclusive control of these assets.

As a result, Lumen Technologies is the only provider capable of delivering the required services to activate, operate, and maintain the State’s fiber network along this corridor.

Q4Answer: Constructing new In-Line Amplification (ILA) huts is not a viable option. Replicating the existing infrastructure would cost an estimated $4.5 million and introduce significant delays. Additionally, the State’s fiber strands terminate inside Lumen Technologies’ facilities under an existing IRU agreement, making Lumen the only vendor with legal access to provide co-location, power, and environmental controls.

Unique features provided by Lumen Technologies include:

- Exclusive ownership and control of existing ILA huts along the State’s fiber route.

- Established IRU agreement enabling co-location and integration without duplicating infrastructure.

- Existing power and environmental systems designed for optical amplification equipment.

- Direct connectivity to the State’s fiber strands, eliminating the need for costly new construction.

Lumen Technologies’ involvement is unavoidable. While the State holds IRUs to the fiber, Lumen retains ownership of the physical fiber and controls access to the facilities. Because multiple customers share the conduit housing the fiber, only Lumen personnel are authorized to interface with the fiber or work within the splice huts. Fiber IRUs have a standard term of twenty (20) years; DoIT retains rights to the fiber for an additional four (4 ) years and ten (10) months and will occupy these locations for at least that duration.

The vendor-provided line-item pricing for the next contract term is attached.

Installation Charges Installation costs for the rack, battery, customer-provided conduit, fiber splicing, and time-and-materials labor remain unchanged since 2021, representing a 0% increase.

Monthly Recurring Charges 19-inch Open Rack: Increased from $875 to $1,000 per month (14.3% increase).

Battery: Increased from $190 to $380 per month; however, capacity doubled from 10A to 20A at 48 VDC, resulting in no effective cost increase per amp.

Customer-Provided Fiber Conduit Fee:

Remains at $1,500 per month (0% increase).

Summary: 7 of 8 line items remain unchanged; only the Open Rack monthly charge increased by 14.3%.

Estimated 5-Year Cost (Current Configuration)

- 2 Conduit Fees: $3,000/month × 58 months = $174,000

- 5 Open Racks: $5,000/month × 58 months = $290,000

- 5 DC Power Feeds: $1,900/month × 58 months = $110,200 Total Current Cost: $574,200

The State has forecast a potential future need for two additional amplification huts along this fiber path, which may need to be added during the resulting contract term. The specific scope, locations, and costs are currently unknown and would be addressed through a subsequent statement of work and contract change order when appropriate.

Transitioning away would require: trenching and installing new fiber, building new ILA huts, and securing permits, land, and construction.

Estimated cost: $150,000 per quarter mile for interconnection alone. Full replacement would require approximately 300 miles of new fiber, costing over $60 million and taking up to three years; jeopardizing critical State network continuity.

Because Lumen owns the existing infrastructure, alternatives are not only cost-prohibitive but operationally impractical.