DNR 52582 Sole Source Justification Form.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 5

Bulletin Reference Number 26-422DNR-DIREC-B-52582

Requesting Agency/University Department of Natural Resources

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

Department/Bureau/Section: Department of Natural Resources

Need Identified Date: May 11, 2026 Supply/Service Need By Date: Jun 1, 2026

Project Title: Illinois Beach SP - SwimSmart Alert System

Vendor: SwimSmart Technology, LLC (V00028773)

Provide a description of the supplies or services required: Specialized Electronic Warning & Alert System

Value: Actual Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 275,686.38

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: Jun 1, 2026

Estimated Contract End Date: May 31, 2027

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

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)

Items are Copyrighted or Patented and the Items are Only Available from the Holder

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-422DNR-DIREC-B-52582

Requesting Agency/University Department of Natural Resources

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

With the restoration of the shoreline at Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park—following extensive offshore breakwater and stabilization efforts—the park has become a premier destination for beach and water access. However, Lake Michigan’s wave action remains inherently dangerous (with Lake Michigan "accounting for nearly half of the 1,360 drownings in the Great Lakes over the past 15 years".

As more visitors access the water, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is prioritizing public safety by investing in a specialized electronic warning and alert system for the entire park. Only one specialized system integrates directly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network to automatically issue alerts when surf conditions become hazardous.

Because specialized monitoring technology evolves rapidly, the Agency is also securing specialized expertise to install and test these sensors along with training for site staff on the system's use and maintenance.

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

The Agency is seeking to purchase and install a surf monitoring and alert system for Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park. To ensure public safety, the system must meet the following specifications:

- The system must feature reduced data communication lag-time and integrate directly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network to automatically trigger alerts during dangerous surf conditions.

- Alert Mechanisms must include both audible alarms and visual, color-coded light signals that adjust automatically based on real-time NOAA data.

- The hardware must be robust enough to withstand the severe weather conditions and corrosive environment typical of the Lake Michigan shoreline marine environment.

- The manufacturer must provide a one-year support / service plan and on-site comprehensive system training for Agency site staff.

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?

Specialized alert systems that integrate directly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network to automatically issue alerts during dangerous surf conditions are unique. SwimSmart Technology, LLC (SwimSmart - V00028773), based in Michigan, is the only company that has developed the specialized technology required to meet the Agency's needs.

The SwimSmart electronic warning system communicates directly with the NOAA notification network. When NOAA issues a weather alert or warns of dangerous surf, SwimSmart identifies the warning and triggers automatically. This immediate response is unique to SwimSmart; no other system provides real-time activation based on NOAA data.

Due to this specialized capability, SwimSmart is the only electronic system of its kind currently operating on the Great Lakes. The Michigan DNR and the City of Racine, Wisconsin, already utilize it as their primary warning system.

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:

SwimSmart Technology, LLC is the only manufacturer to have developed an alert system that integrate directly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network to provide real-time alerts when surf conditions are dangerous. SwimSmart Technology, LLC's electronic storm and wave condition warning system is changing rapidly with improvements continuously being made, therefore specialized expertise to install and train staff must also be provided by SwimSmart.

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 Agency investigated other alert systems but none directly interfaced with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network. Alternate systems could not provide real-time alerts when surf conditions are dangerous to beach goers. The specialized SwimSmart Technologies, LLC monitoring and alert system is unique.

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Bulletin Reference Number 26-422DNR-DIREC-B-52582

Requesting Agency/University Department of Natural Resources

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?

Given the SwimSmart Technologies, LLC monitoring and alert system is unique, the Agency reached out to the State of Michigan DNR and City of Racine (WI) who are utilizing the product to inquire about pricing. The agency took those prices and inflation into consideration and deemed that the vendor's pricing was fair and reasonable.

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:

Yes. The SwimSmart Technologies, LLC monitoring and alert system is unique and while this system is designed to resist the ravages of marine shoreline weather, maintenance of the specialized system can only be done by specialists. Furthermore, the SwimSmart monitoring and alert system is improved as technologies advance - updates to the specialized system can only be made through SwimSmart Technologies, LLC.

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?

While this specialized purchase and installation is more appropriate as a sole source procurement, this project does mitigate risk to public safety for beach goers at the Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park by providing real-time alerts about dangerous surf conditions. If this specialized monitoring and safety system is not installed, an inability to warn the public about dangerous conditions at the park would constitute a threat to public safety (Illinois Procurement Code - 30 ILCS 500/20-30 - Criteria A) and necessitate closure of the beach. Closure of the beach, in turn, would also necessitate immediate procurement to prevent serious disruption in critical State services that affect collection of substantial State revenue; access to the public beach is a critical component of the park's Concession Agreements (Illinois Procurement Code - 30 ILCS 500/20-30 - Criteria C). Ultimately if a competitive bid is required then all the State is doing is delaying the Agency from implementing these potential life saving measures.

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 26-422DNR-DIREC-B-52582

Requesting Agency/University Department of Natural Resources

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 May 20, 2026

Printed Name Erick O. Huck E-mail Address erick.huck@illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-782-5694

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 maurice.mosley@illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-785-4494 Date May 20, 2026

Printed Name Maurice Mosley

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 217-622-5400 Date 05/20/2026

Printed Name Megan Dalton E-mail Address megan.dalton@illinois.gov

Version 7.01 Page 5 of 5

Bulletin Reference Number 26-422DNR-DIREC-B-52582

Requesting Agency/University Department of Natural Resources

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

Project Title Illinois Beach SP - SwimSmart Alert System

Vendor SwimSmart Technology, LLC (V00028773)

Initial Date of Procurement Bulletin Posting May 19, 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

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

As more visitors access the water, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is prioritizing public safety by investing in a specialized electronic warning and alert system for the entire park. Only one specialized system integrates directly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network to automatically issue alerts when surf conditions become hazardous. Because specialized monitoring technology evolves rapidly, the Agency is also securing specialized expertise to install and test these sensors along with training for site staff on the system's use and maintenance.

Q2Answer: The Agency is seeking to purchase and install a surf monitoring and alert system for Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park. To ensure public safety, the system must meet the following specifications:

- The system must feature reduced data communication lag-time and integrate directly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network to automatically trigger alerts during dangerous surf conditions.

- Alert Mechanisms must include both audible alarms and visual, color-coded light signals that adjust automatically based on real-time NOAA data.

- The hardware must be robust enough to withstand the severe weather conditions and corrosive environment typical of the Lake Michigan shoreline marine environment.

- The manufacturer must provide a one-year support / service plan and on-site comprehensive system training for Agency site staff.

Q3Answer: Specialized alert systems that integrate directly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network to automatically issue alerts during dangerous surf conditions are unique. SwimSmart Technology, LLC (SwimSmart - V00028773), based in Michigan, is the only company that has developed the specialized technology required to meet the Agency's needs.

The SwimSmart electronic warning system communicates directly with the NOAA notification network. When NOAA issues a weather alert or warns of dangerous surf, SwimSmart identifies the warning and triggers automatically. This immediate response is unique to SwimSmart; no other system provides real-time activation based on NOAA data.

Due to this specialized capability, SwimSmart is the only electronic system of its kind currently operating on the Great Lakes. The Michigan DNR and the City of Racine, Wisconsin, already utilize it as their primary warning system.