3. IFB Questions IDPH Nucleic Acid Amplification Assay Testing IFB 68500013N.docx

This document contains clarifications and responses to bidder inquiries regarding an Invitation for Bid (IFB) issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for Neisseria gonorrhea (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) nucleic acid amplification assay testing instrumentation and supplies (IFB 68500013N, Solicitation 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-50488). The IDPH is seeking a fully automated NAAT platform capable of simultaneously detecting NG and CT from multiple specimen types including vaginal, endocervical, throat, and rectal swabs, as well as urine specimens. The instrumentation and supplies will be centrally located at the IDPH Carbondale Laboratory. The estimated annual test volume is 25,000 specimen samples to be tested for both CT and NG concurrently, resulting in approximately 50,000 combined tests annually, along with 30,000 collection kits per year. Vendors were required to submit clarifying questions in writing within fifteen days of the bid published date of January 14, 2026. The contract term is five years from the last dated signature with options to renew for up to five additional years in any combination, resulting in a maximum ten-year contract term. Award will be made to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder.

The solicitation requires vendors to submit firm, fixed-price bids per test kit with all ancillary costs including instrumentation rental, maintenance, parts, shipping, and support services included, with no additional charges or penalties applied for volume variances from estimated quantities. There is no Business Enterprise Program set-aside for this procurement, meaning all qualified vendors are eligible to bid. The awarded vendor must provide a complete reagent-rental style solution with FDA-cleared or FDA-approved instrumentation, preventative maintenance, calibration, software licenses, training, shipping, installation, and validation support. Instrumentation installation and validation is required within 90 days of contract execution, with on-site training required within 10 business days of installation. All services must be performed in the United States at the Carbondale Laboratory location, and vendors must comply with Illinois prevailing wage requirements where applicable. Required insurance includes general commercial liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, auto liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and workers' compensation as required by law. The contract may be partially or wholly funded with federal funds, with funding percentage and dollar amounts to be disclosed upon notice of award, and a $15 administrative fee is required for any contract awarded at $1,000 or more.