CPO Signed and Approved part II AGR B-52864.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number B-52864

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Agriculture

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

Department/Bureau/Section: Illinois Department- Bureau of Land and Water

Need Identified Date: Jul 1, 2026 Supply/Service Need By Date: Jul 1, 2026

Project Title: Sole Source: AGR-Land and Water-Illinois Healthy Soil Initiative

Vendor: Champaign County Soil & Water Conservation District.

Provide a description of the supplies or services required:

IDOA intends to solicit the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District to provide the Illinois Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources STAR WebTool. The Illinois STAR WebTool is designed to be simple, easy and confidential tool. The Illinois STAR Tool provides a quick assessment of conservation progress on individual fields by generating a 1-to-5 STAR rating that assist the IDOA and local SWCD in determining local soil health assessments. The IDOA has been using the Illinois STAR WebTool since FY23 for the Partners for Conservation Program as another means to gather new reportable data to capture all conservation activities on lands/fields that the State of Illinois/IDOA was providing financial assistance for installing a new conservation practice. This allows IDOA to measure and track conservation progress and reporting for the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and Gulf Hypoxia Task Force. Procurement request is for the yearly maintenance, revisions of the WebTool and staff.

Since the passage Public Act 103-0494 (SB 1701) on August 4, 2023, the Illinois Healthy Soils Initiative has mandated IDOA to provide soil health assessments, provide guidelines and guidance to assist Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)'s in identifying desired capacity and funding levels and establishing regular, measurable, cost-effective and technically achievable goals.

Value: Actual Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 154,648

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

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Bulletin Reference Number B-52864

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Agriculture

Section II - Proposed Term

One-Time Purchase Term Contract

Estimated Contract Begin Date: Jul 13, 2026

Estimated Contract End Date: Jul 17, 2027

Number of Potential Renewals:

Length of Each Renewal in Months:

Total Value of All Renewals:

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

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)

Federal/State Grant Requires Contract with Vendor

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

Section VI - Business Rationale

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

The STAR tool was funded through a Federal IRA grant which was canceled in January of 2025, thus the need for the procurement to keep IDOA's program operation current with state statutes. The STAR Web Tool is required as a result of the Public Act 103-0494 (SB 1701) on August 4, 2023, the Illinois Healthy Soils Initiative has mandated IDOA to provide soil health assessments, provide guidelines and guidance to assist Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)'s in identifying desired capacity and funding levels and establishing regular, measurable, cost-effective and technically achievable goals.

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

The Illinois Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Land and Water- requires a web tool, WebTool, which is designed to be simple, easy and confidential tool. The web tool must provide a quick assessment of conservation progress on individual fields by generating a 1-to-5 STAR rating that assist the IDOA and local SWCD in determining local soil health assessments. The web-tool must inventory all conservation practices and provide a score on that particular field using proven scientific methods, to measure and track conservation progress and reporting for the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and Gulf Hypoxia Task Force. The web tool is coded by a dev team to create user accounts with different levels of access, house the field forms, scoring system, data, Conservation Innovation Plan matching logic, and resource database. The Tool also analyzes, presents, and exports data via different report-out features including field-level Score Reports, Landowner and Lender reports, verification reports, conservation innovation plans, a STAR Stats dashboard, and data exports with varying levels of data access and access to environmental outcomes estimations. Developed with Illinois-specific science and farmer input, the STAR Tool evaluates field-level management practices—such as tillage, cover cropping, nutrient application, and crop rotation— through its STAR Field Form. Each field receives a STAR Rating from 1 to 5, with 5 STARS reflecting exemplary conservation practices that improve soil health and water quality.

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Bulletin Reference Number B-52864

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Agriculture

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?

In the past, the state did not spend any amount on this contract, since the Federal IRA grant covered it, however, in January of 2025, that fund was canceled. The supplies and services provided by the Champaign County Soil & Water Conservation District are the only one that satisfy the agency because it is a requirement of the Public Act 103-0494 (SB 1701), known as the Illinois Healthy Soils Initiative.

This law has mandated the agency to provide soil health assessments, provide guidelines and guidance to assist Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)'s in identifying desired capacity and funding levels and establishing regular, measurable, cost-effective and technically achievable goals. That statue require the agency to use the Star Web Tool, developed by the Champaign County and Water Soil District. Developed with Illinois-specific science and farmer input, the STAR Tool evaluates field-level management practices—such as tillage, cover cropping, nutrient application, and crop rotation— through its STAR Field Form. Each field receives a STAR Rating from 1 to 5, with 5 STARs reflecting exemplary conservation practices that improve soil health and water quality. In Crop Year 2024 (CY24), 498 producers received STAR Ratings on 1,197 fields covering 65,698 acres, averaging a 3.45 STAR Rating. Of these, 87% of producers and 67% of fields participated in the PFC program.

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:

The STAR Web tool was created as a response to the Public Act 103-0494 (SB 1701), known as the Illinois Healthy Soils Initiative. A grassroots tool, the STAR web was created by farmers who teamed up with the Champaign he Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD) to design a simple, voluntary tool to evaluate conservation progress and meaningfully address local resource concerns using sound science, producer experience, and conservation expertise. Key organizations across the state including Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), American Farmland Trust (AFT), Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), Illinois Corn Growers Association, Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD), and other conservation-focused partners provided expertise and guidance on the project.

This tool was solely created based on the need of the Illinois Farmers and the need of the different governments of Illinois. Operating as a non-profit, if the agency was to go out and find a private vendor, the expenses would be much higher, and there would be no guarantee that another vendor can create a similar tool. It would take months and even years for a private vendor to create a similar web-tool.

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?

The alternatives were not evaluated because the STAR web tool was created in accordance with the other local and state governments.

Also the tool was adopted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture as a result of Public Act 103-0494 (SB 1701), known as the Illinois Healthy Soils Initiative. A vendor would have to create a software from scratch and that would take a lot of time and resources, just to meet the Public Act 103-0494

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?

Since the Federal government stopped covering the cost in 2025, the agency does not have any other choice but now to cover the cost, as this web tool is a requirement of the Public ACT 103-0494 (SB 1701). If the agency does not cover the cost, it will violate the Public

ACT 103-0494

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

Yes No

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

The agency will have to pay yearly for the cost of the web tool. While the price for this year is $ 154,648.00, the price for the future year, will increase slightly, $ 6,000 .00to $ 7,000.00 per year.

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Bulletin Reference Number B-52864

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Agriculture

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 Illinois Department of Agriculture would violate the Public ACT of 103-0494, which mandates the agency to provide soil health assessments, provide guidelines and guidance to assist Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)'s in identifying desired capacity and funding levels and establishing regular, measurable, cost-effective and technically achievable goals.

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

N/A

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Bulletin Reference Number B-52864

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Agriculture

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 06/09/2026

Printed Name Leke Hoxha E-mail Address Leke.A.Hoxha@Illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-790-1356

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 michelle.grimsley@illinois.gov

Phone Number Date

Printed Name Michelle Grimsley

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 217-720-7077 Date Jun 16, 2026

Printed Name Abigail Bailey E-mail Address Abigail.K.Bailey@Illinois.gov

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Bulletin Reference Number B-52864

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Agriculture

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

Project Title Sole Source: AGR-Land and Water-Illinois Healthy Soil Initiative

Vendor Champaign County Soil & Water Conservation District.

Initial Date of Procurement Bulletin Posting Jun 16, 2026

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 217-622-1857

Printed Name Ellen Daley Date Jul 1, 2026

CPO E-mail Ellen.H.Daley@illinois.gov

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 Ellen.H.Daley@illinois.gov

Since the passage Public Act 103-0494 (SB 1701) on August 4, 2023, the Illinois Healthy Soils Initiative has mandated IDOA to provide soil health assessments, provide guidelines and guidance to assist Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)'s in identifying desired capacity and funding levels and establishing regular, measurable, cost-effective and technically achievable goals.

management practices—such as tillage, cover cropping, nutrient application, and crop rotation— through its STAR Field Form. Each field receives a STAR Rating from 1 to 5, with 5 STARs reflecting exemplary conservation practices that improve soil health and water quality. In Crop Year 2024 (CY24), 498 producers received STAR Ratings on 1,197 fields covering 65,698 acres, averaging a 3.45 STAR Rating. Of these, 87% of producers and 67% of fields participated in the PFC program.

Q4Answer: The STAR Web tool was created as a response to the Public Act 103-0494 (SB 1701), known as the Illinois Healthy Soils Initiative. A grassroots tool, the STAR web was created by farmers who teamed up with the Champaign he Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD) to design a simple, voluntary tool to evaluate conservation progress and meaningfully address local resource concerns using sound science, producer experience, and conservation expertise. Key organizations across the state including Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), American Farmland Trust (AFT), Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), Illinois Corn Growers Association, Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD), and other conservation-focused partners provided expertise and guidance on the project.

This tool was solely created based on the need of the Illinois Farmers and the need of the different governments of Illinois. Operating as a non-profit, if the agency was to go out and find a private vendor, the expenses would be much higher, and there would be no guarantee that another vendor can create a similar tool. It would take months and even years for a private vendor to create a similar web-tool.