Questions and Answers-B-54647.docx

This is a Questions and Answers document for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Bureau of Pharmacy and Clinical Support Services, responding to inquiries regarding IFB B-54647 for clinical laboratory services supporting 14 Mental Health and Developmental Disability facilities throughout Illinois. The solicitation seeks comprehensive laboratory services including specimen collection, processing, testing, and reporting, with daily Monday-Friday courier service and electronic transmission of test results via HL7 files to the State Data Center by 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Required services additionally include web-based electronic access to orders and results, overnight reporting of routine tests by 7 a.m., monthly quality assurance reports, professional consultation services, emergency and disaster planning, critical result notification within 2 hours, and bi-annual facility visits. Bids were due November 12, 2026, with questions due September 18, 2026. The initial contract term is 60 months with one renewal option for an additional 48 months.

Pricing will be evaluated against 2026 Medicare Lab Fee Reimbursement schedules, with a $15 administrative fee applying to contracts valued at $1,000 or more. A Business Enterprise Program (BEP) utilization goal of 7% applies, and failure to submit a completed BEP utilization plan renders the bid non-responsive. The vendor must hold current CAP/CLIA registration and maintain General Commercial Liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate, plus Auto Liability of $1 million per occurrence and Workers' Compensation Insurance as required by law. Subcontracts exceeding $100,000 annually require State approval. The contract is funded through the General Revenue Fund; the percentage and dollar amount of any federal funding will be disclosed upon award. The State will award to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder. Medical courier services may be subcontracted separately by the awarded laboratory provider, and there is no interested bidder list available for prospective prime contractors seeking to connect with other businesses.