B-54238 SSJF ISI MREN-Internet 2 Subscription ITPO-APO-SPO Signed.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 27-448DOIT-TELEC-B-54238

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

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

Department/Bureau/Section: DoIT/ICN

Need Identified Date: Sep 9, 2026 Supply/Service Need By Date: Dec 31, 2026

Project Title: ISI MREN/Internet 2 Subscription

Vendor: ISI Communications Inc.

Provide a description of the supplies or services required:

Yearly Membership fees for DoIT/ICN 100 Gbps Internet 2 connection to the Metropolitan Research and Education Network (MREN) Starlight Facility located at 750 North Lake Shore Dr., Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60611 and pay our yearly SEGP Internet 2 Association fee. Under the SEGP program, the State's public and private elementary, middle and high schools, as well as public and private colleges and universities, libraries and museums can connect to the Abilene Research Network. Without this program many of the ICN constituents would be ineligible to access Internet2 due to the size of their institution or the costs associated with the individual access.

Value: Actual Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 549,000

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 Source

Section II - Proposed Term

One-Time Purchase Term Contract

Estimated Contract Begin Date: Jan 1, 2027

Estimated Contract End Date: 12/31/2031

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:

The Department of Innovation and Technology has been doing annual sole sources with the Metropolitan Research and Education Network (MREN) for over 30 years, with a one time 3yr sole source. MREN is the only source for Internet 2. Internet 2 (I2) is a collaborative effort to develop advanced Internet technology and applications vital to the research and education missions of higher education. The Agency seeks to do a 5-year sole source due to the nature and continuous need for the subscription.

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-448DOIT-TELEC-B-54238

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

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

Organizational Memberships (Dues, Fees, Conference Charges Including Mandated Travel and Related Expenses)

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

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 1/1/2024 12/31/2026 329,000 annual service/membership fee CIT4040560/ R-19930 Sole Source

2 7/1/2022 6/30/2023 109,800 annual service/membership fee R-130868 Sole Source

3 7/1/2021 6/30/2022 109,800 annual service/membership fee P-28193 Sole Source

4 7/1/2020 6/30/2021 109,800 annual service/membership fee P-18883 Sole Source

5 7/1/2019 6/30/2020 109,800 annual service/membership fee B-4998 Sole Source

6 7/1/2018 6/30/2019 109,800 annual service/membership fee PBC 109156/B-354 Sole Source

7 7/1/2017 6/30/2018 109,800 annual service/membership fee PBC 104147 Sole Source

8 7/1/2016 6/30/2017 109,800 annual service/membership fee PBC 96225 Sole Source

9 7/1/2015 6/30/2016 109,800 annual service/membership fee PBC 90420 Sole Source

10 7/1/2014 6/30/2015 106,800 annual service/membership fee PBC 86181 Sole Source

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

7/1/2013 thru 6/30/2014 PBC 78109 value $106,800 FY13 July 1, 2012 thru 6/30/13 PBC 70516 value $38,800 FY12 7/1/2011 thru 6/30/2012 - PBC 60635 value $28000 Y11 7/1/10 thru 6/30/11 PBC 50232 value $28,000 FY10 7/1/09 thru 6/30/10 PBC 45179 $28,000 FY09 7/1/08 thru 6/30/09 was procured on PBC 34072 with a value of $28,800 FY08 7/1/07 thru 6/30/08 was procured on PBC 26829 with a value of $28,000 FY07 7/1/06 thru 6/30/07 was procured on PBC 17239 with a value of $28,800 FY06 7/1/05 thru 6/30/06 was procured on PBC 08271 with value of $28,800 FY05 and prior were done as sole source contracts when ICN had its own procurement authority and they were not entered in to Remedy so there are no PBC's or contract numbers

There are no discounts offered for multiple years. Fee's are applicable to all entities and are only offered on a per year basis.

Section VI - Business Rationale

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-448DOIT-TELEC-B-54238

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

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

This is needed to provide access to Internet 2 access to qualified ICN customers. The fees associated to this procurement allow ICN access to Internet 2 which is not available to the public. The ICN connects to Internet 2 through a 100 Gbps connections sponsored by the Metropolitan Research and Education Network (MREN) at its Chicago GigaPOP, StarLight Facility. The ICN provides the access point for qualified educational and research entities in Illinois that are connected to the DoIT/ICN network. As ICN is an educational network, it provides access to ICN customers at the Starlight facility. Internet 2 (I2) is a collaborative effort to develop advanced Internet technology and applications vital to the research and education missions of higher education. Over 150 U.S. universities, working together with partners in industry and government, are leading the Internet 2 project. Internet 2 is working to enable applications, such as telemedicine, digital libraries and virtual laboratories that are not possible with the technology underlying today's Internet. As a project of the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID), the Internet 2 project is not a single separate network, but rather joins member network application and engineering development efforts together with many advanced campus, regional, and national networks.

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

DoIT/ICN needs to renew our 100 Gbps Internet 2 connection to the Metropolitan Research and Education Network (MREN) Starlight Facility located at 750 North Lake Shore Dr., Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60611 and pay our yearly SEGP Internet 2 Association fee

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?

MREN is the only connection point in the midwest to Internet 2. The yearly SEGP related fees must be paid in order to keep our port operational. Under the SEGP program, the State's public and private elementary, middle and high schools, as well as public and private colleges and universities, libraries and museums can connect to the Abilene Research Network. Without this program many of the ICN constituents would be ineligible to access Internet2 due to the size of their institution or the costs associated with the individual access.

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:

MREN is the only connection point in the Midwest to Internet 2. DoIT/ICN has approval from the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID) to provide the connection necessary to allow all ICN primary constituents to access the Internet2 Abilene Research Network. The ICN is the 20th statewide network to become a Sponsored Education Group Participant (SEGP). The fact that ICN is able to provide access to Internet 2 to it's approved/qualified customers makes this a unique and needed service to serve this customer base.

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

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

MREN, and this physical location, is the only connection point to Internet 2 in the midwest

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?

The fees are the same for all entities and there is no negotiations. To connect to Internet 2 you must pay these fees and connect at this location, there are no other options. Base fee, per year, for 100GB Internet 2 Connection Association Fee connection to Metropolitan Research and Education Network (MREN) Starlight Facility Located at 710 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 600611for $28,800.00 is consistent with previous years. Annual Subscription Pricing of $10,000.00 for 100Gbps connection. Annual Sponsored Education Group Participants (SEGP) Membership Association Fee at $109,800.00 per year. All members connecting to the StarLight facility (at 100 Gbps) pay the identical fee, which is standard member pricing for connectivity.

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 27-448DOIT-TELEC-B-54238

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?

Many of the entities that are eligible to use Internet 2 would not be able to afford the yearly membership fees associated with this program. ICN (as part of DoIT) provides this access to serve the educational research community as a service to the state. There would be a financial impact to the entities that currently get to I2 via ICN as they would have to apply on their own for access sand pay the fees. This connection/membership is supported by the state as a way to serve the I2 qualified community.

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-448DOIT-TELEC-B-54238

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 Sep 22, 2026

Printed Name Patrick Kelleher E-mail Address patrick.kelleher@illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-557-7303

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 217-524-7057 Date Sep 23, 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 Sep 24, 2026

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-448DOIT-TELEC-B-54238

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

Metropolitan Research and Education Network (MREN) Starlight Facility located at 750 North Lake Shore Dr., Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60611 and pay our yearly SEGP Internet 2 Association fee. Under the SEGP program, the State's public and private elementary, middle and high schools, as well as public and private colleges and universities, libraries and museums can connect to the Abilene Research Network. Without this program many of the ICN constituents would be ineligible to access Internet2 due to the size of their institution or the costs associated with the individual access.

FY13 July 1, 2012 thru 6/30/13 PBC 70516 value $38,800 FY12 7/1/2011 thru 6/30/2012 - PBC 60635 value $28000 Y11 7/1/10 thru 6/30/11 PBC 50232 value $28,000 FY10 7/1/09 thru 6/30/10 PBC 45179 $28,000 FY09 7/1/08 thru 6/30/09 was procured on PBC 34072 with a value of $28,800 FY08 7/1/07 thru 6/30/08 was procured on PBC 26829 with a value of $28,000 FY07 7/1/06 thru 6/30/07 was procured on PBC 17239 with a value of $28,800 FY06 7/1/05 thru 6/30/06 was procured on PBC 08271 with value of $28,800 FY05 and prior were done as sole source contracts when ICN had its own procurement authority and they were not entered in to Remedy so there are no PBC's or contract numbers

There are no discounts offered for multiple years. Fee's are applicable to all entities and are only offered on a per year basis.

Q1Answer: This is needed to provide access to Internet 2 access to qualified ICN customers. The fees associated to this procurement allow ICN access to Internet 2 which is not available to the public. The ICN connects to Internet 2 through a 100 Gbps connections sponsored by the Metropolitan Research and Education Network (MREN) at its Chicago GigaPOP, StarLight Facility. The ICN provides the access point for qualified educational and research entities in Illinois that are connected to the DoIT/ICN network. As ICN is an educational network, it provides access to ICN customers at the Starlight facility. Internet 2 (I2) is a collaborative effort to develop advanced Internet technology and applications vital to the research and education missions of higher education. Over 150 U.S. universities, working together with partners in industry and government, are leading the Internet 2 project. Internet 2 is working to enable applications, such as telemedicine, digital libraries and virtual laboratories that are not possible with the technology underlying today's Internet. As a project of the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID), the Internet 2 project is not a single separate network, but rather joins member network application and engineering development efforts together with many advanced campus, regional, and national networks.

program. ICN (as part of DoIT) provides this access to serve the educational research community as a service to the state. There would be a financial impact to the entities that currently get to I2 via ICN as they would have to apply on their own for access sand pay the fees. This connection/membership is supported by the state as a way to serve the I2 qualified community.