PO27-001 Northwestern Trauma Behavioral Health SSJF.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 9

Bulletin Reference Number 27-418DCFS-PROCU-B-51424

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

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

Department/Bureau/Section: Clinical Practice

Need Identified Date: Jan 12, 2026 Supply/Service Need By Date: 07/01/2026

Project Title: Northwestern University Trauma/Behavioral Health Research and CANS Project

Vendor: Northwestern University Mental Health Services and Policy Program

Provide a description of the supplies or services required:

The following projects provide research, evaluation, data collection and analysis, training, and technical assistance services to DCFS in direct support of child welfare operations and compliance with the B.H. v. Mueller Consent Decree (No. 88 C 5599, N.D. Ill.):

1. Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths and Well-Being Measure

2. Trauma Training and Consultation

3. Technical Assistance for Residential Treatment and Residential Performance Measures

4. Technical Assistance for Service Provider Administration

5. Evaluation of the Intensive Placement Stabilization Program

6. Evaluation of Staff Well-Being Initiatives

7. Data Collection and Administration

8. Technical Assistance for Placement Administration

9. Technical Assistance for Youth Awaiting Placement

10. Technical Assistance for B.H. Consent Decree Initiatives

11. Technical Assistance for the Health Services Management Unit

12. Technical Assistance for the Division of Child Protection

Value: Estimated Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 3,800,110.07

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: 07/01/2026

Estimated Contract End Date: 06/30/2027

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-418DCFS-PROCU-B-51424

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

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)

Services are required to fulfill DCFS's obligations under the B.H. v. Mueller Consent Decree (No. 88 C 5599, N.D. Ill.)

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

Term Term From Term To Value Description Contract Number Type

1 July 1, 2025 June 30, 2026 3,800,109.61 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project 0461569086 Sole Source

2 July 1, 2024 June 30, 2025 3,800,110 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project 0461569085 Sole Source

3 July 1, 2023 June 30, 2024 3,670,500 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project 0461569084 Sole Source

4 July 1, 2022 June 30, 2023 3,641,132 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project 0461569083 Sole Source

5 July 1, 2021 June 30, 2022 3,671,132.86 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project 0461569082 Sole Source

6 July 1, 2020 June 30, 2021 3,684,747.24 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project 0461569081 Sole Source

7 July 1, 2019 June 30, 2012 3,611,814.16 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project 0461569080 Sole Source

8 July 1, 2018 June 30, 2019 2,631,267.52 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project 0461569089 Sole Source

9 July 1, 2017 June 30, 2018 2,875,627.91 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project 0461569088 Sole Source

10 July 1, 2016 June 30, 2017 3,040,578 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project 0461569087 Exemption

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

In FY17 GATA regulations changed and this contract has been determined to not qualify as a Grant, but the services are greatly needed and this is the only provider that can continue to provide the services which were created specifically for the Agency.

July 1, 2009-June 30, 2011 - Sole Source July 1, 2010-June 30, 2017 - Were done as exemption.

July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 $3,926,764.00 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project Contract #04651569078 - Sole Source

Section VI - Business Rationale

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-418DCFS-PROCU-B-51424

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

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

NU/MHSPP has provided these services to DCFS for nearly 20 years. Due to the evolving nature of the Decree's obligations, Northwestern's scope of work, under the direction of Dr. Epstein, must evolve from year to year and requires deep subject matter expertise involving child welfare and Illinois-specific data, history, and litigation context. The Consent Decree spans many areas of the Department, from Child Protection to exits from DCFS custody, including child well-being, training, residential monitoring, provider resource development, stabilizing and supporting complex youth, data collection and analysis, and health care delivery.

In the scope of work proposed for FY27, twelve projects were proposed that directly connect to the Consent Decree and the current Supplemented Superseding Implementation Plan (SIP, Dkt. 834-1, 2023), both attached. Two of three SIP Satisfaction Criteria remain pending before the Court. As of the April 2026 Progress Report, DCFS has committed to specific time-sensitive obligations directly tied to NU/MHSPP's work: Northwestern will complete the initial stage of a study DCFS intends to use to identify pre-YNI youth and provide tailored services to improve their stability and well-being, with results to be reported to the Court in the next six months; and DCFS will continue working with Northwestern to analyze factors contributing to the decline in the Maltreatment in Care rate and develop recommendations for action. Failure to meet the terms of the Consent Decree would be very costly to the State and would directly harm vulnerable youth in care.

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

This procurement is required to provide research, evaluation, training, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, and reporting services that directly support DCFS's compliance with the B.H. v. Mueller Consent Decree and the Supplemented Superseding Implementation Plan. Twelve projects are supported by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Mental Health Services and Policy Program. Detailed specifications for each project are provided in the attached FY27 draft contract.

1. Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths and Well-Being Measure

2. Trauma Training and Consultation

3. Technical Assistance for Residential Treatment and Residential Performance Measures

4. Technical Assistance for Service Provider Administration

5. Evaluation of the Intensive Placement Stabilization Program

6. Evaluation of Staff Well-Being Initiatives

7. Data Collection and Administration

8. Technical Assistance for Placement Administration

9. Technical Assistance for Youth Awaiting Placement

10. Technical Assistance for B.H. Consent Decree Initiatives

11. Technical Assistance for the Health Services Management Unit

12. Technical Assistance for the Division of Child Protection

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?

NU/MHSPP has provided these services to DCFS for nearly 20 years. Dr. Richard Epstein, the principal investigator, is a licensed clinical psychologist and recognized child welfare expert who has served as DCFS's strategic advisor for the B.H. v. Mueller litigation since 2015.

He is the only non-party expert with continuous involvement in all relevant B.H. proceedings since the Expert Panel's appointment in 2015, and is specifically named in the April 2026 Progress Report in connection with two active court obligations tied to the two remaining SIP Satisfaction Criteria. No other vendor has this litigation continuity, and no other vendor could step into this role without material disruption to active federal court proceedings.

Beyond Dr. Epstein's unique litigation role, each of the 12 projects relies on institutional knowledge, data access, and program infrastructure built exclusively in partnership with DCFS that no other vendor possesses. NU/MHSPP maintains direct access to DCFS's CYCIS and SACWIS systems under active data sharing agreements, serves as Statewide Administrator of the CANS program, developed the SPIDER database in coordination with DCFS OITS, leads DCFS's federally designated NCTSN trauma training site, and produces residential performance measurement and court compliance reports embedded in DCFS's daily operations. Dr. Cassandra Kisiel leads the NCTSN site — a federally designated specialty credential that cannot be replicated by another vendor. Dr. Neil Jordan has led residential treatment performance reporting for DCFS for many years, producing systems no other vendor has access to or familiarity with. DCFS has expended approximately $55 million over nearly two decades building these programs. No qualified alternative exists.

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-418DCFS-PROCU-B-51424

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

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 unique features of NU/MHSPP's services that are unavailable from any other vendor are as follows:

Dr. Richard Epstein — Principal Investigator:

• Only non-party expert with continuous involvement in B.H. v. Mueller proceedings since the Expert Panel's appointment in 2015 — over 11 years of uninterrupted litigation participation

• Specifically named in the April 2026 Progress Report filed with the federal court in connection with two active SIP compliance obligations tied to the two remaining Satisfaction Criteria

• Has supported DCFS through three Court-approved Implementation Plans and is currently supporting the Supplemented SIP (2023)

• Provides direct reports to the Court on IPS program performance — an active, ongoing court reporting obligation

Dr. Cassandra Kisiel — Trauma Training and Consultation:

• Faculty lead of NU/MHSPP's National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) site, the Center for Child Trauma Assessment, Services and Interventions (CCTASI) — a federally designated trauma specialty center

• NCTSN designation is specific to this vendor and cannot be transferred or replicated by another provider

• Has led DCFS's Think Trauma Training and Implementation Program, including Training of Trainers, across residential agencies, psychiatric facilities, shelters, and ILO/TLP programs statewide

Dr. Neil Jordan — Residential Treatment and Performance Measures:

• Has led residential treatment performance measurement reporting for DCFS for many years, producing reports embedded in DCFS's daily operations and compliance infrastructure

• Developed and maintains the residential performance measurement system in direct partnership with DCFS — a proprietary system that no other vendor has access to or familiarity with

Institutional and Data Infrastructure — Unique to NU/MHSPP:

• Maintains direct access to DCFS's CYCIS and SACWIS systems under active data sharing agreements — access that took years to establish and would require full renegotiation, DoIT coordination, and validation for any replacement vendor

• Developed the SPIDER database in direct coordination with DCFS OITS — a proprietary statewide provider resource system integrated into DCFS operations

• Serves as Statewide Administrator of the CANS program for DCFS — a role held continuously for over 15 years

• Has expended nearly 20 years and approximately $55 million in state investment building the data infrastructure, reporting systems, training programs, and institutional knowledge that underpin all 12 projects on this contract

• Estimated 48–84 months would be required to onboard a replacement vendor to an equivalent level of operational capability — an unacceptable timeline given active federal court oversight and pending SIP Satisfaction Criteria

No other vendor possesses this combination of court-record continuity, federally designated specialty credentials, proprietary data system access, and DCFS-specific institutional knowledge. These are not qualitative preferences — they are specific, verifiable, and quantifiable barriers to replacement.

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-418DCFS-PROCU-B-51424

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

5a. If no, why weren't alternatives evaluated?

DCFS is currently operating under the B.H. v. Mueller Consent Decree (No. 88 C 5599, N.D. Ill.), with two of three SIP Satisfaction Criteria still pending before the Court. NU/MHSPP is not a peripheral vendor to that litigation — it is embedded in it. Dr. Epstein is the only non-party expert who has participated continuously in all relevant B.H. proceedings since the Expert Panel's appointment in 2015. NU/ MHSPP is referenced as a university partner in court filings by both parties in connection with active YNI/WIRL planning — an obligation under Satisfaction Criterion 3. The Court, the Expert Panel, and Plaintiffs' counsel all have an established working relationship with Dr.

Epstein and his team. Introducing a new vendor into this environment mid-litigation would not simply be disruptive — it would directly impair DCFS's ability to respond to the Court, satisfy the Expert Panel, and meet its compliance reporting obligations on an indeterminate timeline.

Beyond the litigation context, the practical barriers to competitive procurement are prohibitive. NU/MHSPP has spent nearly 20 years building the data infrastructure, reporting systems, and institutional knowledge that underpin all 12 projects on this contract. They maintain direct access to DCFS's CYCIS and SACWIS systems under active data sharing agreements. They developed the SPIDER database, the residential performance measurement system, the CANS implementation framework, and the Think Trauma training program — all in direct partnership with DCFS. The Department estimates that onboarding a replacement vendor would require 48–84 months and an equivalent financial investment to what has already been made. DCFS has expended approximately $55 million over nearly two decades building these programs. A competitive procurement would not produce a better result — it would produce a gap in services at the worst possible time, with active federal court oversight in place.

DCFS conducted a thorough programmatic review in FY19, consolidating, eliminating, or bringing in-house numerous programs previously under this contract. DCFS conducted a second comprehensive review in FY25, devoting more than 300 staff hours to evaluating cost-effectiveness and alternative vendor availability across all 12 remaining projects. Both reviews reached the same conclusion: no other vendor exists with the combination of child welfare expertise, DCFS-specific institutional knowledge, data system access, and B.H. litigation continuity that NU/MHSPP provides. This is not a determination that alternatives would be too expensive — it is a determination that no qualified alternative exists. The inability to replicate nearly two decades of embedded institutional knowledge, active federal court participation, and proprietary data infrastructure is not an economic barrier — it is a qualifications barrier.

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

Yes No N/A

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-418DCFS-PROCU-B-51424

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

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?

DCFS determined the price for this contract to be fair and reasonable through the following:

The total contract value for FY27 is $3,800,110.07 — essentially flat compared to the FY26 contract value of $3,800,109.61, a difference of less than one dollar, despite expanded scope in several project areas including the addition of the Staff Well-Being Evaluation and the Co-Responder Program evaluation. The fact that NU/MHSPP absorbed expanded scope with no material cost increase is itself evidence of fair and reasonable pricing.

DCFS reviewed a detailed breakdown of personnel costs by project, including staff classifications, effort allocations, and rates. During FY25, DCFS devoted more than 300 staff hours to evaluating whether more cost-effective alternatives existed across all 12 projects. No comparable vendor was identified. The per-project costs below reflect the specialized expertise, proprietary data access, and court-record continuity this work requires, and DCFS is confident they represent fair and reasonable value.

1. Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the CANS and Well-Being Measure — $210,563.40

2. Trauma Training and Consultation — $448,944.37

3. Technical Assistance for Residential Treatment and Performance Measures — $668,360.37

4. Technical Assistance for Service Provider Administration — $303,958.01

5. Evaluation of the Intensive Placement Stabilization Program — $215,228.36

6. Evaluation of Staff Well-Being Initiatives — $229,637.95

7. Data Collection and Administration — $249,830.76

8. Technical Assistance for Placement Administration — $333,546.24

9. Technical Assistance for Youth Awaiting Placement — $236,111.80

10. Technical Assistance for B.H. Consent Decree Initiatives — $180,528.66

11. Technical Assistance for the Health Services Management Unit — $362,430.02

12. Technical Assistance for the Division of Child Protection — $339,970.13

Fixed Price Subtotal — $3,779,110.07 Cost Reimbursable Travel — $21,000.00 Maximum Amount — $3,800,110.07

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 Department is still bound by the Consent Decree (attached) and the current Supplemented Superseding Implementation Plan (2023) (attached). The Parties are actively engaged in confidential negotiations to identify the best approaches to meet the terms of the Decree and the SIP. The Vendor's representative attends these negotiations, providing expert support and recommendations. The Parties routinely provide the Federal Court with updates on their progress, including bi-annual reports. See the Joint Status Report filed in November 2025 (attached) for background on current efforts.

The Department has made substantial progress in the last year. In summer 2025, the Department was determined to meet SIP Satisfaction Criterion #2, related to permanency for youth in care. As of the April 2026 Progress Report, the Department continues to make meaningful progress on the two remaining SIP Satisfaction Criteria: Criterion #1 related to reducing Maltreatment in Care, and Criterion #3 related to timely services and supports for youth with serious behavioral health and service needs. Northwestern is specifically referenced by name in the April 2026 Progress Report in connection with active obligations under both remaining Criteria.

In February 2026, the Department successfully terminated the Extended and Revised Implementation Plan to Address Investigator Caseloads. See attached Motion for the Department's progress.

The Department's future obligation to this vendor is directly tied to the duration of active federal court oversight under the Consent Decree. That obligation will continue until all three SIP Satisfaction Criteria are met and the Court approves termination of the SIP.

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-418DCFS-PROCU-B-51424

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

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?

Failure to approve this sole source would have severe financial, operational, and legal consequences for the State.

Financially, the Department estimates that onboarding a replacement vendor would require an equivalent investment to the approximately $55 million already expended over nearly 20 years building the data infrastructure, reporting systems, training programs, and institutional knowledge that underpin all 12 projects on this contract. The transition period is estimated at 48–84 months — during which DCFS would effectively be paying twice, maintaining ongoing court obligations while simultaneously rebuilding program capacity with a new vendor.

Operationally, a competitive procurement would produce a gap in services at the worst possible time. NU/MHSPP maintains direct access to DCFS's CYCIS and SACWIS systems under active data sharing agreements, serves as Statewide Administrator of the CANS program, and produces reports embedded in DCFS's daily operations across residential monitoring, placement administration, health services, and child protection. None of this can be transferred to a new vendor quickly or without significant disruption to front-line child welfare practice statewide.

Most critically, failure to approve this sole source would directly impair DCFS's ability to meet its active obligations under the B.H. v.

Mueller Consent Decree. Two of three SIP Satisfaction Criteria remain pending before the Court. Northwestern is specifically named in the April 2026 Progress Report in connection with two time-sensitive court obligations due within the next six months. Dr. Epstein is the only non-party expert with continuous involvement in B.H. proceedings since 2015. Replacing him mid-litigation would impair DCFS's ability to respond to the Court, satisfy the Expert Panel and Special Master, and meet its reporting requirements on an indeterminate timeline. The financial exposure from non-compliance with an active federal court order — including potential contempt proceedings

— far exceeds the cost of this contract.

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

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-418DCFS-PROCU-B-51424

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

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 14, 2026

Printed Name Keith Polan E-mail Address keith.e.polan@Illinois.gov

Phone Number 312 806 0352

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 Devin.McQuillan2@illinois.gov

Phone Number 2175580011 Date May 14, 2026

Printed Name Devin McQuillan

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 217-836-6172 Date May 14, 2026

Printed Name Shea Firebaugh E-mail Address shea.firebaugh@illinois.gov

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Bulletin Reference Number 27-418DCFS-PROCU-B-51424

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

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?

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

1. Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths and Well-Being Measure

2. Trauma Training and Consultation

3. Technical Assistance for Residential Treatment and Residential Performance Measures

4. Technical Assistance for Service Provider Administration

5. Evaluation of the Intensive Placement Stabilization Program

6. Evaluation of Staff Well-Being Initiatives

7. Data Collection and Administration

8. Technical Assistance for Placement Administration

9. Technical Assistance for Youth Awaiting Placement

10. Technical Assistance for B.H. Consent Decree Initiatives

11. Technical Assistance for the Health Services Management Unit

12. Technical Assistance for the Division of Child Protection

July 1, 2009-June 30, 2011 - Sole Source July 1, 2010-June 30, 2017 - Were done as exemption.

July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 $3,926,764.00 Trauma/Behavioral HealthCANS Project Contract #04651569078 - Sole Source Q1Answer: NU/MHSPP has provided these services to DCFS for nearly 20 years. Due to the evolving nature of the Decree's obligations, Northwestern's scope of work, under the direction of Dr. Epstein, must evolve from year to year and requires deep subject matter expertise involving child welfare and Illinois-specific data, history, and litigation context. The Consent Decree spans many areas of the Department, from Child Protection to exits from DCFS custody, including child well-being, training, residential monitoring, provider resource development, stabilizing and supporting complex youth, data collection and analysis, and health care delivery.

In the scope of work proposed for FY27, twelve projects were proposed that directly connect to the Consent Decree and the current Supplemented Superseding Implementation Plan (SIP, Dkt. 834-1, 2023), both attached. Two of three SIP Satisfaction Criteria remain pending before the Court. As of the April 2026 Progress Report, DCFS has committed to specific time-sensitive obligations directly tied to NU/MHSPP's work: Northwestern will complete the initial stage of a study DCFS intends to use to identify pre-YNI youth and provide tailored services to improve their stability and well-being, with results to be reported to the Court in the next six months; and DCFS will continue working with Northwestern to analyze factors contributing to the decline in the Maltreatment in Care rate and develop recommendations for action. Failure to meet the terms of the Consent Decree would be very costly to the State and would directly harm vulnerable youth in care.

Q2Answer: This procurement is required to provide research, evaluation, training, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, and reporting services that directly support DCFS's compliance with the B.H. v. Mueller Consent Decree and the Supplemented Superseding Implementation Plan. Twelve projects are supported by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Mental Health Services and Policy Program. Detailed specifications for each project are provided in the attached FY27 draft contract.

1. Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths and Well-Being Measure

2. Trauma Training and Consultation

3. Technical Assistance for Residential Treatment and Residential Performance Measures

4. Technical Assistance for Service Provider Administration

5. Evaluation of the Intensive Placement Stabilization Program

6. Evaluation of Staff Well-Being Initiatives

7. Data Collection and Administration

8. Technical Assistance for Placement Administration

9. Technical Assistance for Youth Awaiting Placement

10. Technical Assistance for B.H. Consent Decree Initiatives

11. Technical Assistance for the Health Services Management Unit

12. Technical Assistance for the Division of Child Protection Q3Answer: NU/MHSPP has provided these services to DCFS for nearly 20 years. Dr. Richard Epstein, the principal investigator, is a licensed clinical psychologist and recognized child welfare expert who has served as DCFS's strategic advisor for the B.H. v. Mueller litigation since 2015. He is the only non-party expert with continuous involvement in all relevant B.H. proceedings since the Expert Panel's appointment in 2015, and is specifically named in the April 2026 Progress Report in connection with two active court obligations tied to the two remaining SIP Satisfaction Criteria. No other vendor has this litigation continuity, and no other vendor could step into this role without material disruption to active federal court proceedings.

Beyond Dr. Epstein's unique litigation role, each of the 12 projects relies on institutional knowledge, data access, and program infrastructure built exclusively in partnership with DCFS that no other vendor possesses. NU/MHSPP maintains direct access to DCFS's CYCIS and SACWIS systems under active data sharing agreements, serves as Statewide Administrator of the CANS program, developed the SPIDER database in coordination with DCFS OITS, leads DCFS's federally designated NCTSN trauma training site, and produces residential performance measurement and court compliance reports embedded in DCFS's daily operations. Dr. Cassandra Kisiel leads the NCTSN site — a federally designated specialty credential that cannot be replicated by another vendor. Dr. Neil Jordan has led residential treatment performance reporting for DCFS for many years, producing systems no other vendor has access to or familiarity with. DCFS has expended approximately $55 million over nearly two decades building these programs. No qualified alternative exists.

Q4Answer: The unique features of NU/MHSPP's services that are unavailable from any other vendor are as follows:

Dr. Richard Epstein — Principal Investigator:

• Only non-party expert with continuous involvement in B.H. v. Mueller proceedings since the Expert Panel's appointment in 2015 — over 11 years of uninterrupted litigation participation

• Specifically named in the April 2026 Progress Report filed with the federal court in connection with two active SIP compliance obligations tied to the two remaining Satisfaction Criteria

• Has supported DCFS through three Court-approved Implementation Plans and is currently supporting the Supplemented SIP (2023)

• Provides direct reports to the Court on IPS program performance — an active, ongoing court reporting obligation

Dr. Cassandra Kisiel — Trauma Training and Consultation:

• Faculty lead of NU/MHSPP's National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) site, the Center for Child Trauma Assessment, Services and Interventions (CCTASI) — a federally designated trauma specialty center

• NCTSN designation is specific to this vendor and cannot be transferred or replicated by another provider

• Has led DCFS's Think Trauma Training and Implementation Program, including Training of Trainers, across residential agencies, psychiatric facilities, shelters, and ILO/TLP programs statewide

Dr. Neil Jordan — Residential Treatment and Performance Measures:

• Has led residential treatment performance measurement reporting for DCFS for many years, producing reports embedded in DCFS's daily operations and compliance infrastructure

• Developed and maintains the residential performance measurement system in direct partnership with DCFS — a proprietary system that no other vendor has access to or familiarity with

Institutional and Data Infrastructure — Unique to NU/MHSPP:

• Maintains direct access to DCFS's CYCIS and SACWIS systems under active data sharing agreements — access that took years to establish and would require full renegotiation, DoIT coordination, and validation for any replacement vendor

• Developed the SPIDER database in direct coordination with DCFS OITS — a proprietary statewide provider resource system integrated into DCFS operations

• Serves as Statewide Administrator of the CANS program for DCFS — a role held continuously for over 15 years

• Has expended nearly 20 years and approximately $55 million in state investment building the data infrastructure, reporting systems, training programs, and institutional knowledge that underpin all 12 projects on this contract

• Estimated 48–84 months would be required to onboard a replacement vendor to an equivalent level of operational capability — an unacceptable timeline given active federal court oversight and pending SIP Satisfaction Criteria

No other vendor possesses this combination of court-record continuity, federally designated specialty credentials, proprietary data system access, and DCFS-specific institutional knowledge. These are not qualitative preferences — they are specific, verifiable, and quantifiable barriers to replacement.

This sole source allows the Department to avoid being non-compliant with the terms of the B.H. Consent Decree. By continuing to use Northwestern University's MHSPP the Department is able to continue to leverage the more than one-decade long effort and approximately 55 million dollars already expended to build and maintain the fundamental components, methods, and trainings used by the programs listed above in an effort to provide the best possible outcome for DCFS youth.

Q5aAnswer: DCFS is currently operating under the B.H. v. Mueller Consent Decree (No. 88 C 5599, N.D. Ill.), with two of three SIP Satisfaction Criteria still pending before the Court. NU/MHSPP is not a peripheral vendor to that litigation — it is embedded in it. Dr. Epstein is the only non-party expert who has participated continuously in all relevant B.H. proceedings since the Expert Panel's appointment in 2015. NU/MHSPP is referenced as a university partner in court filings by both parties in connection with active YNI/WIRL planning — an obligation under Satisfaction Criterion 3. The Court, the Expert Panel, and Plaintiffs' counsel all have an established working relationship with Dr. Epstein and his team. Introducing a new vendor into this environment mid-litigation would not simply be disruptive — it would directly impair DCFS's ability to respond to the Court, satisfy the Expert Panel, and meet its compliance reporting obligations on an indeterminate timeline.

Beyond the litigation context, the practical barriers to competitive procurement are prohibitive. NU/MHSPP has spent nearly 20 years building the data infrastructure, reporting systems, and institutional knowledge that underpin all 12 projects on this contract. They maintain direct access to DCFS's CYCIS and SACWIS systems under active data sharing agreements. They developed the SPIDER database, the residential performance measurement system, the CANS implementation framework, and the Think Trauma training program — all in direct partnership with DCFS. The Department estimates that onboarding a replacement vendor would require 48–84 months and an equivalent financial investment to what has already been made. DCFS has expended approximately $55 million over nearly two decades building these programs. A competitive procurement would not produce a better result — it would produce a gap in services at the worst possible time, with active federal court oversight in place.

DCFS conducted a thorough programmatic review in FY19, consolidating, eliminating, or bringing in-house numerous programs previously under this contract. DCFS conducted a second comprehensive review in FY25, devoting more than 300 staff hours to evaluating cost-effectiveness and alternative vendor availability across all 12 remaining projects. Both reviews reached the same conclusion: no other vendor exists with the combination of child welfare expertise, DCFS-specific institutional knowledge, data system access, and B.H. litigation continuity that NU/MHSPP provides. This is not a determination that alternatives would be too expensive — it is a determination that no qualified alternative exists. The inability to replicate nearly two decades of embedded institutional knowledge, active federal court participation, and proprietary data infrastructure is not an economic barrier — it is a qualifications barrier.

The total contract value for FY27 is $3,800,110.07 — essentially flat compared to the FY26 contract value of $3,800,109.61, a difference of less than one dollar, despite expanded scope in several project areas including the addition of the Staff Well-Being Evaluation and the Co-Responder Program evaluation. The fact that NU/MHSPP absorbed expanded scope with no material cost increase is itself evidence of fair and reasonable pricing.

DCFS reviewed a detailed breakdown of personnel costs by project, including staff classifications, effort allocations, and rates. During FY25, DCFS devoted more than 300 staff hours to evaluating whether more cost-effective alternatives existed across all 12 projects. No comparable vendor was identified. The per-project costs below reflect the specialized expertise, proprietary data access, and court-record continuity this work requires, and DCFS is confident they represent fair and reasonable value.

1. Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the CANS and Well-Being Measure — $210,563.40

2. Trauma Training and Consultation — $448,944.37

3. Technical Assistance for Residential Treatment and Performance Measures — $668,360.37

4. Technical Assistance for Service Provider Administration — $303,958.01

5. Evaluation of the Intensive Placement Stabilization Program — $215,228.36

6. Evaluation of Staff Well-Being Initiatives — $229,637.95

7. Data Collection and Administration — $249,830.76

8. Technical Assistance for Placement Administration — $333,546.24

9. Technical Assistance for Youth Awaiting Placement — $236,111.80

10. Technical Assistance for B.H. Consent Decree Initiatives — $180,528.66

11. Technical Assistance for the Health Services Management Unit — $362,430.02

12. Technical Assistance for the Division of Child Protection — $339,970.13

Fixed Price Subtotal — $3,779,110.07 Cost Reimbursable Travel — $21,000.00 Maximum Amount — $3,800,110.07

The Department has made substantial progress in the last year. In summer 2025, the Department was determined to meet SIP Satisfaction Criterion #2, related to permanency for youth in care. As of the April 2026 Progress Report, the Department continues to make meaningful progress on the two remaining SIP Satisfaction Criteria: Criterion #1 related to reducing Maltreatment in Care, and Criterion #3 related to timely services and supports for youth with serious behavioral health and service needs. Northwestern is specifically referenced by name in the April 2026 Progress Report in connection with active obligations under both remaining Criteria. In February 2026, the Department successfully terminated the Extended and Revised Implementation Plan to Address Investigator Caseloads. See attached Motion for the Department's progress.

The Department's future obligation to this vendor is directly tied to the duration of active federal court oversight under the Consent Decree.