part I and part II ISP B-27298ehd.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number B-27298

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

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

Department/Bureau/Section: Department of Criminal Investigations, Special Operations Command, Hazardous Devices Unit

Need Identified Date: Oct 14, 2021 Supply/Service Need By Date: Jul 31, 2022

Project Title: State Weapons of Mass Destruction Team, Hazardous Devices Unit FX Andros Robot

Vendor: Remotec/Peraton

Provide a description of the supplies or services required: FX Andros Unmanned Ground Vehicle System

Value: Estimated Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 459,589

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

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 B-27298

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

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

The Illinois Secretary of State Police (ISSP), Hazardous Device Unit (HDU), a member of the statewide deployable team, the Illinois State Police (ISP), Statewide Weapons of Mass Destruction Team (SWMDT), must be able to sustain the ability to properly and efficiently respond to an incident involving Chemicals, Biological Weapons, Radiological/Nuclear Incidents, or Explosives (CBRNE). The ISSP HDU is the explosive detection and mitigation asset for the SWMDT, and only statewide bomb squad. All certified bomb squads in the United States are required to have functioning large frame robots. The current Remotec Andros F6B robots utilized by the HDU have been in use for 20 years, and have been subjected to extreme use. Our current Remotec Andros F6B robots have experienced greater frequency of failures, and are in need of replacement to sustain the consistent defeat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s) in the state of Illinois.

All bomb technicians in the United States are initially trained at the FBI, Hazardous Devices School (HDS), Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville AL, and have been trained on the Remotec Andros F6B robots. Interoperability and continuity amongst the bomb technician community is crucial when bomb technicians from federal, state, and local agencies conduct IED defeat missions together. Currently, Remotec Andros FX robots are in use at HDS, along with Remotec Andros F6B robots, as the F6B robot is phased out. The Remotec Andros series is the only large frame robot that students train with at HDS. All new members of the ISSP HDU will be trained with the Remotec Andros FX robot when they attend HDS for their certification course. Additionally, all current ISSP HDU members must attend advanced courses and recertification at HDS, and are expected to maintain proficiency with the Remotec Andros FX robot.

The Remotec Andros FX robot greatly surpasses the Remotec Andros F6 in dependability, mobility, maneuverability, and technological advances. The use of a viable robot is critical to maintain the success of IED and weapons of mass destruction defeat operations in Illinois. If this project is not completed, the ISP SWMDT and HDU members will be forced to use failing robots to complete counter IED/ WMD missions. Additionally, the consequences of this decision could result in financial damages to property, injury and/or death to the citizens of the state of Illinois, and members of the SWMDT.

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

The Illinois Secretary of State Police (ISSP), Hazardous Device Unit (HDU), has a need to procure one Remotec Andros FX robot to sustain bomb squad operations in the state of Illinois as detailed in question one above. The Remotec Andros FX, a large frame robot with track pods, is essential to remote access and disablement of improvised explosive devices, and must include the following specifications:

ANDROS FX Vehicle Assembly Includes: Position Feedback with Presets, Manipulator Rewind and Fly the Gripper; Surveillance color camera with white light and IR LED's and Pan / Tilt (Continous pan); Gripper palm camera; Front and rear drive cameras; Color arm camera; Accessory Interface Mount (includes adapter for legacy accessories); Vehicle Battery Pack - Lead Acid; Tool Kit; One Operation/ Maintenance Manual (CD-ROM); Vehicle Battery Charger Assembly; 2 1/2 Days Operator/Maintenance Training at REMOTEC (maximum class size is 6 people).

Operator Control Unit Includes: CPU Module and Breakout Box (includes DC power cable); Option 2 (AC power only) includes: AC Power Box; DC Adapter Cable; AC Cord (must specify plug type in outside the US).

Operator Control Unit Includes: Ruggedized Laptop with Touchscreen; Docking Station; one (1) BB2590 Battery; Pelican Case.

Radio Control Assembly (Includes case); Fiber Optic Cable Reel Assembly (2000 ft.); Spare Spool of Fiber Optic Cable (2000 ft.)

Camera Pan/Tilt Assembly; Camera Sighting Kit Assembly; two (2) Laser Assembly; Laser Filter Assembly; Thermal Imager Kit; 24" Touch LED Monitor; X-Ray Assembly (fits Golden X-Ray Systems) Works with drum & "bread-maker" style film; Dual Pan Disrupter Mount Assembly; Shock Tube Initiator, Four Channel; Picatinny Rail Cable Cutter Assembly; BLOCK ACCESSORY TOOL SYSTEM; Ideal Mini Gander; Power Hawk Assembly; Spare Battery Pack Drawer Assembly - *Lead Acid Only; Five Years of Extended Warranty (Years 2 through 6); two (2) Spare BB2590 Batteries for vehicle and OCU; two (2) Single BB2590 Chargers

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?

Remotec Inc. is the only manufacturer and distributor of the Remotec FX robot.

The ISSP HDU purchased one Remotec FX robot in 2018 to ensure continuity of operations and mutual aid interoperability was maintained within the State of Illinois, and with the Hazardous Devices School. This procurement was necessary to maintain proficiencies and competencies of HDU members as well. The National Guidelines For Bomb Squads requires each of the 466 Public Safety Bomb Squads (PSBS) in the nation to maintain functioning robots for response. Additionally, PSBS are tasked with mutual aid operations that require other federal, state, local, public safety bomb technicians operate together with familiar equipment.

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Bulletin Reference Number B-27298

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

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 Remotec Andros robotic platforms are unique to the public safety bomb squad community, as they are the only robotic platforms that all bomb technicians are initially trained on in the United States. Public safety bomb technicians then return to the FBI HDS and attend a recertification course and are tasked with operating Remotec Andros robots. The Andros F6B robots that have been in use for many years and are being phased out and replaced with the Andros FX robot. Additionally, the Andros FX robot is used by public safety bomb technicians when they return to HDS for advanced training courses. Remotec Inc., continues to support all of the bomb squads in Illinois with a yearly robot maintenance course hosted by ILEAS.

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

5a. If yes, name the alternative vendors whose supplies or services were evaluated:

ICOR, who produces the MK4 Large EOD robot and Telerob, who makes the Telemax Evo Plus robot 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:

The ICOR MK4 and Telemax Evo Plus do not have an arm roll features for greater accessibility, and the Remotec Andros FX has two arm roll features. The ICOR MK4 has 17.5" less vertical reach and 1" less of horizontal reach than the Remotec FX, and the Telemax Evo Plus has about 3 ft. less vertical reach than the Remotec FX. The ICOR MK4's lifting capability is 75 pounds less than the Remotec Andros FX up close, and 25 pounds less with the arm outstretched. The Telemax Evo Plus's lifting capability is 99 pounds less than the Remotec Andros FX up close, and 92 pounds less with the arm outstretched. The ICOR MK4 does not have a fiber optic data link, and the fiber optic cable on the Telemax Evo Plus is 986 feet compared to the 2000 feet of fiber optic cable of the Remotec FX. The HDU has experienced many events where the radio frequency transmitter did not work, and the fiber optic data link (cable) was critical to complete the mission. The deficiencies of the ICOR MK4 and Telemax Evo Plus with respect to arm rolls, vertical reach and lifting capabilities make these robots unacceptable. The lack of any fiber optic link availability on the ICOR MK4, and the 1000' length of fiber optic cable on Telemax Evo Plus also make them unacceptable choices.

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).

The Remotec Andros FX is the only large frame robot made in the United States that has a shoulder, elbow, wrist, gripper, and two arm rolls for greatest mobility. No other large frame robot has two arm rolls. The Remotec Andros FX has the highest reach vertically and horizontally, and has the greatest lifting capabilities. Additionally, no other large frame robot made in the U.S. has a fiber optic data link to operate in high radio frequency atmospheres, or in an area using electronic countermeasures. An internet search was conducted and the ICOR MK4 Large EOD Robot (manufactured in Canada) and the Telerob Telemax Evo Plus (manufactured in Germany) were compared. Remotec Andros robotic platforms are manufactured in Clinton, Tennessee, and offer support 24/7, 365 days a year.

The cost to retrain all of the members of the HDU would be prohibitive, as it would take months to acquire necessary skills for each member to successfully operate a different robotic platform, as all technicians are initially certified with Remotec Andros robots. The ISSP HDU trains all new members for one year prior to attending the FBI Hazardous Devices School (HDS) Basic Certification Course, and are trained using the Remotec Andros FX robot. All certified bomb technicians must attend a recertification course every three years, and are expected to successfully operate the Remotec Andros robots. The FBI HDS is the only school in the United States that certifies and re-certifies public safety bomb technicians in the United States. Additionally, a change in robotic platforms would risk mission failure, as HDU members would not have the necessary skill sets to successfully operate a different robotic platform.

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

Yes No N/A

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Bulletin Reference Number B-27298

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

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?

This robot is a sole source item, and no other vendor has the ability to provide a quote. A quote was requested from the vendor with the exact specifications needed for members of the Hazardous Devices Unit to effectively use the FX robot they have been trained on (detailed specifications outlines in question two above). Contact was made with three other agencies that have purchased same or similar equipment at comparable pricing the that has been offered to ISP with the exception of shipping charges: City of Des Moines purchased 3 FX robots with accessories, Government of Israel purchased 1 FX robot w/ accessories and Department of Home Affairs purchased 8 FX robots and accessories.

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:

We may be obligated to buy parts or pay for maintenance.

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?

State fiscal year 22 PAR grant funds may be lost if this project is not completed. Additionally, ISSP HDU members will be forced to continue operating in bomb suits in areas where a viable robotic platform should have completed the mission. This decision could result in the injury and/or death of ISSP HDU members, financial damage to property, and injury and/or death to the citizens of the state of Illinois.

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

None at this time.

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Bulletin Reference Number B-27298

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

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 Mar 25, 2022

Printed Name M/Sgt Bret Burris E-mail Address bret.burris@illinois.gov

Phone Number 618-571-5094

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 Sean.Cormier@illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-280-0446 Date Mar 25, 2022

Printed Name Sean Cormier

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 Date

Printed Name Chaney Lovellette E-mail Address

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Bulletin Reference Number B-27298

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

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

Project Title State Weapons of Mass Destruction Team, Hazardous Devices Unit FX Andros Robot

Vendor Remotec/Peraton

Initial Date of Procurement Bulletin Posting Mar 29, 2022

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 217-558-6897

Printed Name Ellen H. Daley Date

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

All bomb technicians in the United States are initially trained at the FBI, Hazardous Devices School (HDS), Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville AL, and have been trained on the Remotec Andros F6B robots. Interoperability and continuity amongst the bomb technician community is crucial when bomb technicians from federal, state, and local agencies conduct IED defeat missions together. Currently, Remotec Andros FX robots are in use at HDS, along with Remotec Andros F6B robots, as the F6B robot is phased out. The Remotec Andros series is the only large frame robot that students train with at HDS. All new members of the ISSP HDU will be trained with the Remotec Andros FX robot when they attend HDS for their certification course. Additionally, all current ISSP HDU members must attend advanced courses and recertification at HDS, and are expected to maintain proficiency with the Remotec Andros FX robot.

The Remotec Andros FX robot greatly surpasses the Remotec Andros F6 in dependability, mobility, maneuverability, and technological advances. The use of a viable robot is critical to maintain the success of IED and weapons of mass destruction defeat operations in Illinois. If this project is not completed, the ISP SWMDT and HDU members will be forced to use failing robots to complete counter IED/WMD missions. Additionally, the consequences of this decision could result in financial damages to property, injury and/or death to the citizens of the state of Illinois, and members of the SWMDT.

Q2Answer: The Illinois Secretary of State Police (ISSP), Hazardous Device Unit (HDU), has a need to procure one Remotec Andros FX robot to sustain bomb squad operations in the state of Illinois as detailed in question one above. The Remotec Andros FX, a large frame robot with track pods, is essential to remote access and disablement of improvised explosive devices, and must include the following specifications:

ANDROS FX Vehicle Assembly Includes: Position Feedback with Presets, Manipulator Rewind and Fly the Gripper; Surveillance color camera with white light and IR LED's and Pan / Tilt (Continous pan); Gripper palm camera; Front and rear drive cameras; Color arm camera; Accessory Interface Mount (includes adapter for legacy accessories); Vehicle Battery Pack - Lead Acid; Tool Kit; One Operation/Maintenance Manual (CD-ROM); Vehicle Battery Charger Assembly; 2 1/2 Days Operator/Maintenance Training at REMOTEC (maximum class size is 6 people).

Operator Control Unit Includes: CPU Module and Breakout Box (includes DC power cable); Option 2 (AC power only) includes: AC Power Box; DC Adapter Cable; AC Cord (must specify plug type in outside the US).

Operator Control Unit Includes: Ruggedized Laptop with Touchscreen; Docking Station; one (1) BB2590 Battery; Pelican Case.

Radio Control Assembly (Includes case); Fiber Optic Cable Reel Assembly (2000 ft.); Spare Spool of Fiber Optic Cable (2000 ft.)

Camera Pan/Tilt Assembly; Camera Sighting Kit Assembly; two (2) Laser Assembly; Laser Filter Assembly; Thermal Imager Kit; 24" Touch LED Monitor; X-Ray Assembly (fits Golden X-Ray Systems) Works with drum & "bread-maker" style film; Dual Pan Disrupter Mount Assembly; Shock Tube Initiator, Four Channel; Picatinny Rail Cable Cutter Assembly; BLOCK ACCESSORY TOOL SYSTEM; Ideal Mini Gander; Power Hawk Assembly; Spare Battery Pack Drawer Assembly - *Lead Acid Only; Five Years of Extended Warranty (Years 2 through 6); two (2) Spare BB2590 Batteries for vehicle and OCU; two (2) Single BB2590 Chargers Q3Answer: Remotec Inc. is the only manufacturer and distributor of the Remotec FX robot.

The ISSP HDU purchased one Remotec FX robot in 2018 to ensure continuity of operations and mutual aid interoperability was maintained within the State of Illinois, and with the Hazardous Devices School. This procurement was necessary to maintain proficiencies and competencies of HDU members as well. The National Guidelines For Bomb Squads requires each of the 466 Public Safety Bomb Squads (PSBS) in the nation to maintain functioning robots for response. Additionally, PSBS are tasked with mutual aid operations that require other federal, state, local, public safety bomb technicians operate together with familiar equipment.

The cost to retrain all of the members of the HDU would be prohibitive, as it would take months to acquire necessary skills for each member to successfully operate a different robotic platform, as all technicians are initially certified with Remotec Andros robots. The ISSP HDU trains all new members for one year prior to attending the FBI Hazardous Devices School (HDS) Basic Certification Course, and are trained using the Remotec Andros FX robot. All certified bomb technicians must attend a recertification course every three years, and are expected to successfully operate the Remotec Andros robots. The FBI HDS is the only school in the United States that certifies and re-certifies public safety bomb technicians in the United States. Additionally, a change in robotic platforms would risk mission failure, as HDU members would not have the necessary skill sets to successfully operate a different robotic platform.