CPO Signed part I and part II LETSB B-48048.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Bulletin Reference Number ...... 1 B_-4_8_0_4_8 ________________ _, Requesting Agency/University IILETSB

Sole Source Justification Form - Part I

Section I - General Information

Department/Bureau/Section: l ..... IL_E_T_S_B __________________________________ __, Need Identified Date: I May 22, 2025 Supply/Service Need By Date: 1 ..... Ju_n_3_0_,_20_2_s ____ __.

Project Title: IAXON Training Pods

Vendor: Axon Training and Tactical Ecosystems

The Axon Training Pod {ATP) is a mobile, turnkey, VR training facility that Provide a description of the supplies or services required: transforms unused space into a fully operational, high-quality training environment .

Value: ..... IA_c_tu_a_l _______ ..... l Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: ~I 1_,0_7_8_,s_o_o ________ ~ Will this Sole Source amend a Professional or Artistic Services contract? D 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: I New Sole Source

Section II - Proposed Term

[gl One-Time Purchase D Term Contract

Section Ill - Funding Source

Select the type of funding to be used {Check all that apply): ~ State Appropriate Funds D Federal Funds D Other {Explain):

Section IV - Sole Source Justification

This purchase is economically only available from a single source primarily because it is:

Compatibility of Equipment, Accessories, Replacement Parts or Service

Are there secondary justification{s) for this sole source? D 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:

{If "Other" explain in one sentence)

The need for Axon Training Pods stems directly from the SAFE-T Act's intensified requirements for scenario-based, situational, and use of-force training, which agencies must now deliver with unprecedented efficiency and scale. Traditional training methods, being instructor-intensive and logistically challenging, simply cannot meet the amplified mandates without unsustainable costs and significant disruption to operations, leading to inconsistent proficiency and hindering widespread, safe, and timely deployment of critical training.

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

ILETSB requires a system that offers police officer training that is immersive, incorporates Al-driven VR scenarios capable of real-time adaptation and rapid updates to reflect evolving standards, all housed within a self-contained mobile unit that can be swiftly deployed regionally. This solution must also provide a dedicated instructor control for real-time feedback and detailed after-action reports, seamlessly integrate with each departments' existing AXON software for unified data management, enabling standardized, adaptable, safe, and precise training for numerous officers daily, and boast a proven track record of reliability and recognition from ILETSB and other law enforcement training bodies.

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Bulletin Reference Number .... IB_-4_8_0_4_8 ________________ __.

Requesting Agency/University .... l1L_E_T_S_B ________________ _.

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?

Our primary source justification is rooted in the critical compatibility of axon training pods with our existing and substantial investment in the Axon digital ecosystem, including AXON electro-muscular incapacitating devices (TASERs). This system enables our officers to link use of force training data with real-world incident records, allowing them to train with virtual replicas of their actual duty gear for superior realism but without safety risks to themselves or the public. It also streamlines workflows in a way that no other standalone VR system or vendor can provide. Additionally, they provide one on one training with individual feedback ensuring that officers are critiqued in a constructive process. They allow for scenario training to adapt and respond to the needs of the specific officer and agency and allows for instruction modifications to be created and disseminated almost instantly. Furthermore, these pods are portable in nature and can be utilized regionally in areas where these required trainings are challenging to deliver and scheduling training sessions is limited.

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 Axon Training Pods offer unique, market-differentiating features crucial to our expanded needs: their integrated mobile pod architecture (allowing simultaneous training for up to 5 officers in a rapidly re-deployable unit) saves time and expenses for the board, the agencies, and the officers who need this training to remain compliant. They offer Al-powered dynamic and adaptive behavioral skills training (creating unlimited scenarios variations and reducing reliance on costly human role-players}, and seamless Axon ecosystem integration (providing holistic data analysis and leverage existing equipment investments). Furthermore, AXON is a recognized leader in law enforcement technology integration and functionality, demonstrating proven reliability in numerous law enforcement deployments nationwide. Ultimately, the portability, standardized instructional dynamics, and universal application of the Axon training pods is not available from any other provider.

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

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

Alternative suppliers of Al and virtual reality trainings were considered, but they do not meet the needs as they do not provide/ distribute Axon training pods that are compatible with what we have in-house.

Sb. 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:

Alternative suppliers of Al and virtual reality trainings were considered, but they do not meet the needs. This product and software are compatible with what we already have in-house and offers the delivery of trainings in a manner that will ensure officer compliance with their training mandates.

To clarify- No other suppliers are known to provide/distribute the Axon training pods. Therefore, no other "suppliers" were considered beyond the manufacturer. Nevertheless, alternative products of similar services made by other companies were considered. These were found to be far more costly, lacked the same quality of training, were not portable in their nature, and could not be integrated with existing use of force alternatives and their trainings. Therefore, while other manufacturers were considered, other suppliers were not.

Sc. 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).

Discussed with Axon is there were any official retailers and the answer was no. Other retailers beyond Axon brand products are not compatible with our in-house equipment.

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

0 Yes ~ No O N/A

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Bulletin Reference Number .... ls_-4_8_0_4_8 ________________ __.

Requesting Agency/University .... l1L_E_T_S_B ________________ ____.

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?

An original quote was provided in December 2024 for $1.2M with sales tax included, and $1.095M with no sales tax. Once the procurement changed hands within ILETSB in May 2025, the vendor was asked to provide an updated pricing option and the price was reduced to $1.078M with no sales tax. The $1.078M price is the 2024 pricing and includes VR hardware accessories at no cost along with a less expensive pricing workflow for VR licensing . If the 2025 pricing was utilized, along with the extra costs for accessories and licensing, then the price would be significantly higher.

Axon executed 3 other training pod contracts from 2024 to present so far, but they differ programmatically. The other contracts already contained other services and hardware so they were sold/contracted differently.

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

D Yes ~ No

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?

A large percentage of police officers will not be able to meet the deadlines for their use of force training mandates as required by the SAFE-T Act. Future purchases such as maintenance and licensing is included in the quote cost as attached. Other vendors and equipment are more costly and may not be compatible with current equipment.

1 O. ls there any additional information you would like to add to justify this sole source?

There are no resellers for this equipment (confirmed with Axon via email and sent to CPOs Office), so must purchase directly from the supplier. This includes package pricing and ensures that all maintenence, updates, and warranties are provided promptly to reduce the risk of inoperability.

This response clarifies the position reflected in Sa - we wanted to confirm that no other entities offered or distributed this product, beyond the manufacturer. Additionally, we wanted to point out that this product, like many other high tech devices being offered today, integrates physical components with software licensures and upgrades, data transfers, service warranties and other intangibles that are required to operate the devices and ensure the effective delivery of practical, scenario based, trainings.

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Robert Brice robert.brice@illinois.gov

217-441-1798 10/01/2025

Sole Source Justification Form

Bulletin Reference Number 1 .... B_-4_8_0_4_8 ________________

Requesting Agency/University 1 .... IL_E_T_S_B _______________ _____.

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.

Requesting Department Representative L......,j~ _.::....J,.......::;;;..L....;;__;,i:;~----__J

Printed Name E-mail Address

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)

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

Printed Name I Keith Calloway

SPO Approval and Signature Required

Keith Digitally signed by Keith Calloway I alloway Date:2025.10.0109:14:06 Phone Number217-782-4540

.___ _____ -0_5•00_· ___ ___, ..... ______ _____.

Date loct 1, 2025

I E-mail Address I keith.calloway@illinois.gov r,i,,.I have reviewed and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and agree with the State Agency or University A determination.

D 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 '--'-@-=:;....6::;;_=.llA±--=-=---=8;;;..__,;;;;~ =-=-· -=---~' Phone Number ..... 1 _____ __, Date

Printed Name E-mail Address

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Bulletin Reference Number ~IB_-4_8_0_4_8 ________________ ~ Requesting Agency/University! ~IL_E_T_S_B _______________ ~

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?

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

"2i No - Section II not required, go to Section Ill below

Section Ill - CPO Approval and Signature Required

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

D 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.

D Other

CPO Signature CPO Phone

Printed Name Date

CPO E-mail

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10/01/2025

AXON Training Pods

Axon Training and Tactical Ecosystems

Ellen.H.Daley@illinois.gov

Ellen H. Daley

217-622-1857

10/15/2025