part I and part II DoIT B-52504.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-52504

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

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

Department/Bureau/Section: Telecom/ Networks

Need Identified Date: 3/31/2026 Supply/Service Need By Date: 7/1/2026

Project Title: SEFS IRU Dark Fiber - Zeke Giorgi - Stratus

Vendor: Stratus Networks, Inc.

Provide a description of the supplies or services required:

Network Backbone services supporting the Dekalb/Rockford/Chicago areas POP Sites and ILA sites. This allows for backbone connectivity related to POP to POP and POP to ILA communications. This supports ALL network services to and through the Dekalb and Rockford Illinois area.

Value: Estimated Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 447,280

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 Economically Feasible Source

Section II - Proposed Term

One-Time Purchase Term Contract

Estimated Contract Begin Date: 7/1/2026

Estimated Contract End Date: 6/30/2046

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:

Per 30 ILCS 500/20-60 (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section, the Department of Innovation and Technology may enter into leases for dark fiber networks for any period of time deemed to be in the best interest of the State but not exceeding 20 years inclusive. The fiber route provided by Stratus is not available by any other provider, thus if the State had to build the fiber route it would cost $5,000,000.00 which the State would save within the budget.

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)

Compatibility of Equipment, Accessories, Replacement Parts or Service

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

Version 7.01 Page 2 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-52504

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

Another justification that this purchase is only available from a sole source is because it is:

This fiber is the only fiber available on the path as described below. See Stratus Networks Inc. Sole Source Letter.

Another justification that this purchase is only available from a sole source is because it is:

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 4/1/2014 3/31/2024 215,000 IRU ICN-WAN Backbone Services Rockford Ring Fiber CIC4839310 Sole Source

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

Section VI - Business Rationale

Version 7.01 Page 3 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-52504

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

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

Network Backbone services supporting the Dekalb/Rockford/Chicago area POP Sites and ILA sites. This allows for backbone connectivity related to POP to POP and POP to ILA communications. This supports ALL network services to and through the Dekalb/ Rockford/Chicago area.

Dark Fiber Valuation - 20 Year Term Stratus Paths Description Miles #Fibers Cost/ Fiber Maintenance Annual Cost Total Contract IRU Fee Extended Cost Maintenance Cost/ Mile Maintenance Zeke Giorgi North 20.24 4 $1,500.00 $350.00 $ 7,084.00 $141,680.00 $ 61,920.00 $134,160.00 Zeke Giorgi South 10.32 4 $1,500.00 $350.00 $ 3,612.00 $ 72,240.00 $121,440.00 $263,120.00 Total $10,696.00 $213,920.00 $183,360.00 $397,280.00

One Time Fees IRU Fee (20 Years) $183,360.00 Make Ready Fees $ 0.00 Total One Time Fees $183,360.00

Annual Recurring Fees $ 10,696.00 Total Recurring Fees $213,920.00

Proportional Relocate Costs $ 50,000.00

Final Total $447,280.00

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

Stratus Networks Inc. is providing 2-segments (Zeke Giorgi North and South) in trade. The IRU includes 2-pair dark fiber segments routing diversely out of the Zeke Giorgi Center located at 200 S Wyman St., Rockford, IL, one traveling North and one traveling South, diverse from one another, handoff endpoints to the East along I-90 and I-39.

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?

This fiber is the only fiber available on the path as described above. DoIT Staff came to this determination based on researching building reviews, area reviews and consulting with fiber operator. An additional option is for the state to build it's own fiber, at an estimated cost of up to $5,000,000.00. See Stratus Networks Inc. Sole Source Letter.

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:

Fiber infrastructure is existing infrastructure that the State can use to satisfy it's data / connectivity needs to Agencies, K12 and Higher Education. The connection points required include the Zeke Giorgi Building the handoff to Tollway at the intersection of I90 and I 39.

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 Network Backbone requires fiber to transmit data at extremely high speeds over long distances. Fiber optic cables use light to transmit data, allowing for faster speeds and higher bandwidth compared to traditional cables. This makes fiber optic cables ideal for uses in network backbones, where large amount of data need to be transmitted quickly and efficiently between different parts of a network. Fiber optic cables are more reliable and less susceptible to interference than alternatives. Stratus Networks Inc. provides a required fiber path that no alternative or provider can provide. Illinois Century Network Act, 6605 Sec. 15. Restrictions.

The Illinois Century Network shall not provide telecommunications services in competition with private sector providers, nor shall it construct or operate a network that duplicates existing services, except when necessary to provide connectivity for education, libraries, government, or public safety where no comparable service is available at reasonable cost.

Version 7.01 Page 4 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-52504

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

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?

Agency used vendors public pricing model, which also matches the State's model for IRU services. In the vendor public pricing model and State model, the Agency compared Stratus pricing to four (4) vendors and two (2) Agencies. The Agency through this comparison considers Stratus Network Inc. price to be 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

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?

Rockford, Zeke Giorgio building, Dekalb, NIU ICN POP, Rockford POP, Elgin, Waubonsee will all be down and have no service.

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

This fiber path interconnects DOT, DOIT and ISTHA fibers, allowing for the Rockford ICN/DOIT POP Site to operate and service the above organizations and sites.

Version 7.01 Page 5 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-52504

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

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 May 14, 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 217-720-6643 Date May 14, 2026

Printed Name David Papp E-mail Address David.Papp@Illinois.gov

Version 7.01 Page 6 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 26-448DOIT-TELEC-B-52504

Requesting Agency/University Department of Innovation and Technology

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

Project Title IRU ICN-WAN Backbone Services - Zeke Giorgi and Prophetstown - No Cost

Vendor Stratus Networks, Inc.

Initial Date of Procurement Bulletin Posting May 14, 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 H. Daley Date May 28, 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

Dark Fiber Valuation - 20 Year Term Stratus Paths Description Miles #Fibers Cost/ Fiber Maintenance Annual Cost Total Contract IRU Fee Extended Cost Maintenance Cost/ Mile Maintenance Zeke Giorgi North 20.24 4 $1,500.00 $350.00 $ 7,084.00 $141,680.00 $ 61,920.00 $134,160.00 Zeke Giorgi South 10.32 4 $1,500.00 $350.00 $ 3,612.00 $ 72,240.00 $121,440.00 $263,120.00 Total $10,696.00 $213,920.00 $183,360.00 $397,280.00

One Time Fees IRU Fee (20 Years) $183,360.00 Make Ready Fees $ 0.00 Total One Time Fees $183,360.00

Annual Recurring Fees $ 10,696.00 Total Recurring Fees $213,920.00

Proportional Relocate Costs $ 50,000.00

Final Total $447,280.00

The Illinois Century Network shall not provide telecommunications services in competition with private sector providers, nor shall it construct or operate a network that duplicates existing services, except when necessary to provide connectivity for education, libraries, government, or public safety where no comparable service is available at reasonable cost.