SSJF Signed IDEXX Water Testing SS 68500031N.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 10

Bulletin Reference Number Open Market Bid 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-51590

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Public Health

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

Department/Bureau/Section: Office of Disease Control/Division of Laboratories

Need Identified Date: 02/02/2026 Supply/Service Need By Date: 07/01/2026

Project Title: IDEXX Water Testing Commodities

Vendor: IDEXX Distribution, Inc

Provide a description of the supplies or services required:

The Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories (IDPH DOL) requires a comprehensive suite of EPA approved and CDC recognized water microbiology testing supplies to perform regulatory and public health water testing. These supplies include specialized reagents, sample vessels, Quanti Trays, filtration components, molecular testing kits, and quality control materials used in the detection of coliform bacteria, E. coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Legionella pneumophila, as well as for environmental surveillance testing.

IDPH DOL utilizes these materials to carry out drinking water testing, well water monitoring, recreational beach water assessments, Legionella outbreak response, and broader environmental testing, including SARS CoV 2 surveillance. These activities ensure compliance with EPA drinking water regulations and support IDPH’s role in protecting public health.

IDPH-DOL must use these specific supplies because IDPH DOL’s laboratory certifications, including USEPA certification for Colilert-based drinking water testing methods and CDC ELITE certification for Legionella testing, require the use of validated IDEXX testing systems and consumables.

Value: Actual Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 216,689.02

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

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Bulletin Reference Number Open Market Bid 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-51590

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Public Health

Section II - Proposed Term

One-Time Purchase Term Contract

Estimated Contract Begin Date: 07/01/2026

Estimated Contract End Date: 06/30/2028

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:

The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Laboratories (IDPH-DOL), requires a multi-year term because the agency depends on a continuous supply of EPA approved and CDC recognized water testing reagents, trays, vessels, filtration units, and molecular testing materials that are exclusively manufactured and distributed by IDEXX. These supplies are essential for IDPH-DOL to perform drinking water testing, well water monitoring, recreational beach water assessments, Legionella outbreak response, and environmental surveillance throughout the State of Illinois.

IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole authorized supplier of all Colilert, Colilert 18, Colisure, Enterolert, Pseudalert, Legiolert, Quanti Tray, Filta Max, Tecta, and associated QC and molecular testing products used by IDPH DOL. No third party distributor or alternative vendor can provide these materials, and substituting other products would violate EPA method approval requirements and jeopardize IDPH-DOL’s USEPA and CDC ELITE certifications for microbiological water testing.

A multi-year term ensures pricing stability and continuity of supply. IDEXX has provided firm, quoted pricing for all required products over a multi-year period, which allows IDPH DOL to avoid potential annual cost increases and administrative burden associated with renegotiating pricing each fiscal year. This structure offers an economic benefit to the State by locking in pricing and ensuring uninterrupted access to the specialized consumables that support public health protection statewide. By securing pricing for the full duration of the contract, the Department mitigates the anticipated year-over-year cost increase—estimated at 8 percent.

When IDPH-DOL compared the current contract prices to the new multi-year quote for the same IDEXX materials, every line item increased by approximately 8 percent. If IDPH-DOL continued issuing one-year small purchases, those annual increases would be expected to continue compounding each year.A multi-year contract mitigates that risk by securing firm pricing over the full term and ensuring continuity of supply. This structure provides an economic benefit to the State by stabilizing costs, reducing administrative burden, and guaranteeing uninterrupted access to the specialized consumables required to support public-health protection statewide.

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

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Bulletin Reference Number Open Market Bid 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-51590

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Public Health

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 07/01/2025 06/30/2026 99,856.37 IDEXX commodities for all IDPH labortories to perform water testing including Legionella.

58500029M Small Purchase

2 02/10/2024 02/09/2025 98,478.23 IDEXX commodities for all IDPH laboratories to perform water testing including Legionella.

48700026L Small Purchase

3 02/10/2023 02/09/2024 99,941.88 IDEXX commodities for all IDPH laboratories to perform water testing including Legionella.

38500020K Small Purchase

4 02/10/2022 02/09/2023 99,609.78 IDEXX commodities for all IDPH laboratories to perform water testing including Legionella.

25500022J Small Purchase

5 02/10/2021 02/09/2022 99,505.6 IDEXX commodities for all IDPH laboratories to perform water testing including Legionella.

15500009I Small Purchase

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

Section VI - Business Rationale

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Bulletin Reference Number Open Market Bid 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-51590

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Public Health

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

The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Laboratories (IDPH-DOL), requires these supplies to perform essential EPA approved and CDC recognized water microbiology testing needed to protect public health statewide. IDPH-DOL performs water testing at all three laboratory locations, including routine coliform and E. coli testing of public wells, private wells, non community water systems, and bathing beaches. These tests rely on IDEXX Colilert and Colilert 18 reagents, which are required components of the USEPA validated testing methods used by IDPH DOL.

The Springfield IDPH laboratory performs all Legionella testing for the Division of Laboratories. Samples are collected from healthcare facilities and other environments where building water systems may pose a risk for Legionella pneumophila exposure. The Springfield laboratory uses IDEXX Legiolert, which is acceptable under the CDC ELITE program, and is required for accurate and standardized Legionella outbreak response.

In addition to coliform and Legionella detection, IDPH-DOL also conducts enterococci, Pseudomonas, heterotrophic plate count, filtration, and molecular surveillance testing, all of which require IDEXX’s proprietary reagents, trays, QC materials, and filtration systems. These consumables support EPA validated workflows and allow IDPH-DOL to meet state and federal regulatory responsibilities for drinking water safety, recreational water quality monitoring, environmental surveillance, and outbreak investigations.

IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole authorized supplier of Colilert, Colilert 18, Colisure, Enterolert, Pseudalert, Legiolert, Quanti Tray systems, Filta Max equipment, Tecta instruments, and all related QC and molecular testing kits. Because these items are proprietary and required for EPA method compliance and laboratory certification, no alternative products may be substituted, and IDEXX is the only source capable of supplying the necessary materials

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

The Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories (IDPH-DOL) requires a comprehensive suite of EPA-validated and CDC-recognized testing consumables exclusively manufactured by IDEXX to perform legally mandated water microbiology testing.

These specifications include specialized reagents, trays, vessels, pretreatment chemicals, and associated materials used to detect coliforms, E. coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Legionella pneumophila, as well as to support environmental surveillance workflows. Together, these items ensure compliance with USEPA drinking water standards and CDC ELITE expectations and support standardized, evidence-based methods for water quality testing across all three IDPH laboratories.

1. WLGT100 – Test Legiolert 100 mL (100T). Specification: Legiolert is IDEXX’s proprietary test for Legionella pneumophila, using a nutrient indicator that changes color when the target organism is present. It is designed specifically for use in potable and non-potable water systems.

2. WQTLGT100 – Quanti-Tray Legiolert (100 pack). pecification: A 100-well Quanti-Tray engineered to work exclusively with Legiolert reagent for Most Probable Number (MPN) quantification.

3. WLGTPRE – Legiolert Pretreatment. Specification: A pretreatment reagent used to neutralize inhibitory substances in water samples before performing Legiolert testing.

4. WP200I18 – Gamma-Irradiated Colilert-18 (200 pack). Specification: EPA-approved reagent for total coliform and E. coli detection, with an 18-hour incubation time. Gamma irradiation ensures sterility and quality.

5. WV150SBST200 – Vessels with SB and ST (200 pack). Specification: Sterile IDEXX vessels designed for use with multiple reagent systems. “SB” and “ST” refer to specific vessel types required for IDEXX’s approved testing methods.

6. WP200I – Gamma-Irradiated Colilert 100 mL (200 pack). Specification: Standard EPA-approved Colilert reagent for detection of total coliforms and E. coli in drinking water. Sterilized by gamma irradiation.

7. WV150SB200 – Vessels with SB (200 pack). Specification: Single-type sterile IDEXX vessels used to hold, mix, and process samples with IDEXX reagents.

8. WQT100 – Quanti-Tray Disposable (100/box). Specification: Standard 100-well Quanti-Trays compatible with Colilert, Colilert-18, and other IDEXX MPN tests.

9. WQT2K – Quanti-Tray 2000 Disposable (100/box). Specification: High-density, 97-well Quanti-Tray/2000 format for expanded detection ranges.

10. Shipping. Covers transportation and secure delivery of all IDEXX consumables to IDPH-DOL laboratories.

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Bulletin Reference Number Open Market Bid 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-51590

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Public Health

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?

IDPH-DOL requires water-testing supplies that meet strict USEPA-validated and CDC-recognized microbiological testing standards.

IDEXX provides the only proprietary reagents, trays, vessels, and associated consumables that are approved for use in the EPA-validated Colilert and Colilert-18 methods and the CDC ELITE-acceptable Legiolert method. These methods are mandatory for IDPH-DOL to maintain its federal and national laboratory certifications for coliform, E. coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas, and Legionella testing.

IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole authorized supplier in the U.S. and Canadian water-testing markets for all required Colilert, Colilert-18, Colisure, Enterolert, Pseudalert, Legiolert, Quanti-Tray, Filta-Max, Tecta, and molecular water-testing products. No alternative vendors are permitted to manufacture or distribute these materials, and no substitute products are considered valid under EPA-approved microbiological water-testing methods. Substituting any non-IDEXX testing system would invalidate IDPH-DOL’s laboratory certifications and compromise the reliability of water-quality monitoring results statewide.

IDPH-DOL has invested significantly in IDEXX testing infrastructure, including instruments, proprietary reagents, QC kits, molecular testing components, and consumables that directly support EPA-validated workflows. This investment ensures IDPH can produce consistent, comparable results that align with national public health and water-quality standards. Maintaining this consistency supports multi-year trend analyses and allows IDPH’s results to be accurately compared to water-testing outcomes from public health laboratories across the United States.

Without access to these sole-source IDEXX materials, IDPH-DOL would lose essential diagnostic capability, specifically its ability to perform Legionella outbreak response and containment, as well as USEPA-certified coliform and E. coli drinking-water testing. These capabilities are legally and operationally required for safeguarding community water systems, healthcare facilities, and public health statewide.

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 supplies required by IDPH-DOL possess unique, proprietary features that are available only from IDEXX and cannot be sourced from any other vendor. IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole authorized supplier of all Colilert, Colilert-18, Colisure, Enterolert, Pseudalert, Legiolert, Quanti-Tray, Filta-Max, Tecta, and related QC and molecular water-testing products used by IDPH-DOL. No third-party distributors or alternative manufacturers are permitted to produce or supply these EPA-validated materials.

The unique features that make these supplies irreplaceable include:

• Exclusive EPA and CDC validation: IDEXX testing systems including Colilert, Colilert-18, and Legiolert—are the only tests approved under U.S. EPA drinking water regulations and the only Legionella test acceptable under the CDC ELITE program for the methods used by IDPH-DOL. No other vendor’s products meet these mandatory federal validation standards.

• Proprietary, method-dependent reagent and tray systems: IDEXX reagent formulations and Quanti-Tray systems are proprietary and designed to work as an integrated unit. Because the chemistry, tray format, and incubation conditions are interdependent, no non-IDEXX reagents or consumables can be substituted without invalidating the test method. EPA-validated MPN calculations require this specific reagent-tray system.

• Only materials that maintain IDPH laboratory certifications: IDPH-DOL’s USEPA certification for coliform testing and CDC ELITE certification for Legionella testing require the use of IDEXX-branded test kits. Switching to another manufacturer would immediately compromise certification and invalidate test results.

• Specialized consumables tied to existing instrumentation: IDPH-DOL’s instruments and test platforms—including Quanti-Tray sealers, Filta-Max filtration equipment, Tecta automated testing systems, and IDEXX QC kits—require IDEXX-specific consumables. Without IDEXX’s proprietary reagents, trays, and vessels, IDPH’s existing analytical equipment cannot operate. No other vendor’s products are compatible.

• Only vendor offering EPA-approved automated testing for drinking water: The IDEXX Tecta system is the only automated presence/ absence testing device approved by the EPA for drinking water microbiology. Its components and service plans are not available from any other manufacturer.

Together, these factors make IDEXX the only vendor capable of supplying the materials necessary for IDPH-DOL to perform federally compliant drinking-water testing, Legionella outbreak response, beach and well monitoring, environmental surveillance, and trend analysis consistent with national laboratory standards.

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Bulletin Reference Number Open Market Bid 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-51590

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Public Health

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?

No, alternatives were not evaluated because all required water-testing reagents, trays, vessels, and associated consumables used by IDPH-DOL are proprietary to IDEXX and integral to EPA-validated and CDC-recognized testing workflows. The Colilert, Colilert-18, and Legiolert methods used by IDPH-DOL are approved specifically with IDEXX reagents and consumables, and no other manufacturer produces materials compatible with these federally validated methods.

Any attempt to transition to another coliform testing platform would require purchasing entirely new instrumentation, retraining staff, modifying validated methods, and undergoing new certification processes. Other EPA-approved microbiological testing methods are available but are documented as more labor-intensive, slower, and less cost-effective compared to IDEXX’s standardized Quanti-Tray/ MPN system. These alternative methods would also reduce IDPH-DOL’s testing efficiency and compromise statewide turnaround times for public health water testing.

For Legionella detection, IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole supplier of Legiolert, the only CDC ELITE-acceptable rapid test used by IDPH-DOL. No alternative vendor produces a rapid Legionella method with the same accuracy, validation status, or federal acceptance.

Without IDEXX’s Legiolert system, IDPH-DOL would lose its ability to perform standardized, certified Legionella surveillance and outbreak response testing, which is essential for protecting public health in healthcare facilities and high-risk environments.

Because no alternate vendor offers products that meet the required EPA and CDC method validation, instrument compatibility, or certification requirements, alternative options were not viable for evaluation.

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

Yes No N/A

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Bulletin Reference Number Open Market Bid 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-51590

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Public Health

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?

IDPH-DOL determined that the pricing offered by IDEXX is fair and reasonable based on the agency’s long-standing purchasing history and IDEXX’s consistent pricing of EPA-approved and CDC-recognized water-testing consumables. Historically, IDEXX has provided stable, fixed pricing for the proprietary reagents, trays, vessels, QC kits, and filtration and molecular materials required for IDPH-DOL’s USEPA-validated and CDC ELITE-acceptable microbiological testing workflows.

Since IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole authorized supplier of Colilert, Colilert-18, Legiolert, Enterolert, Pseudalert, Quanti-Tray systems, Filta-Max, Tecta consumables, and related materials, there is no competitive market for alternative pricing. Price reasonableness is therefore evaluated through internal historical comparison, consistency with prior IDEXX contracts, and comparison with other Illinois agencies that use the same federally approved testing systems.

IDPH further benefits from IDEXX’s multi-year fixed pricing, which prevents year-to-year price escalation and reduces administrative burden. Because no other vendor provides EPA-validated or CDC-recognized substitutes compatible with IDPH’s existing instrumentation, and because alternative testing methods would require new equipment, retraining, and recertification, the pricing offered by IDEXX represents the best possible and only feasible option for the State.

Multi-Year Contract Line Items

• WLGT100 – Test Legiolert 100 mL (100T):

Quantity 10, Total Cost $23,052.70

• WQTLGT100 – Quanti-Tray Legiolert (100 pack):

Quantity 10, Total Cost $4,525.60

• WLGTPRE – Legiolert Pretreatment:

Quantity 4, Total Cost $79.32

• WP200I18 – Gamma Irradiated Colilert-18 (200 pack):

Quantity 70, Total Cost $69,189.40

• WV150SBST200 – Vessels with SB and ST (200 pack):

Quantity 90, Total Cost $9,846.00

• WP200I – Gamma Irradiated Colilert 100 mL (200 pack):

Quantity 70, Total Cost $69,189.40

• WV150SB200 – Vessels with SB (200 pack):

Quantity 90, Total Cost $9,846.00

• WQT100 – Quanti-Tray Disposable (100/box):

Quantity 120, Total Cost $16,124.40

• WQT2K – Quanti-Tray 2000 Disposable (100/box):

Quantity 70, Total Cost $13,836.20

• Shipping:

Estimated Not to Exceed $1,000 for life of contract.

Grand Total for Two Years: $216,689.02

8. Will this purchase obligate the State to this vendor for future purchases such as maintenance, licensing or continuing need?

Yes No

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Bulletin Reference Number Open Market Bid 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-51590

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Public Health

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?

If this sole source is not approved, the financial and operational impact to the State would be significant. IDPH-DOL relies on IDEXX’s EPA-validated and CDC-recognized testing systems for coliform, E. coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas, and Legionella detection. These systems use proprietary reagents and consumables that are only manufactured and supplied by IDEXX, and no other products are compatible with IDPH’s existing instrumentation or federally approved methodologies.

The IDEXX Colilert and Colilert-18 systems provide a 24-hour presence/absence test that is EPA-approved for drinking water, source water, and wastewater. These methods require less than one minute of hands-on setup time, allow simultaneous detection of coliforms and E. coli, and help laboratories avoid excessive evening or weekend work. Losing access to these proprietary materials would halt IDPH’s ability to perform USEPA-certified drinking water compliance testing.

IDEXX is also the only manufacturer and distributor of rapid Legionella testing supplies (Legiolert). If IDPH-DOL cannot obtain these products, all Legionella samples would need to be referred to outside laboratories. This would increase turnaround times, delaying the implementation of critical infection-control measures. Rapid Legionella testing is essential for outbreak containment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other high-risk environments. Delays increase the risk of additional exposures and cases of Legionnaires’ disease.

In summary, failure to approve this sole source would:

• Halt IDPH’s ability to perform EPA-approved drinking water testing.

• Force sample outsourcing, increasing turn-around time and testing costs.

• Delay detection of drinking-water hazards, increasing public health risk.

• Limit IDPH’s ability to rapidly detect and contain Legionella outbreaks.

These combined impacts would significantly compromise the State’s ability to protect public health and comply with federal drinking water and pathogen-surveillance requirements.

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

NA

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Bulletin Reference Number Open Market Bid 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-51590

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Public Health

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 31, 2026

Printed Name Leslie Chapman E-mail Address leslie.chapman@illinois.gov

Phone Number 618-457-5131

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 Mike.Caceres@il.gov

Phone Number 217-557-79005 Date Mar 31, 2026

Printed Name Mike Caceres

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 217-299-5883 Date 03/31/2026

Printed Name Rebecca Gossett E-mail Address rebecca.gossett@illinois.gov

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Bulletin Reference Number Open Market Bid 26-482DPH-OFCDI-B-51590

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Public Health

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

Project Title IDEXX Water Testing Commodities

Vendor IDEXX

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

IDPH DOL utilizes these materials to carry out drinking water testing, well water monitoring, recreational beach water assessments, Legionella outbreak response, and broader environmental testing, including SARS CoV 2 surveillance. These activities ensure compliance with EPA drinking water regulations and support IDPH’s role in protecting public health.

IDPH-DOL must use these specific supplies because IDPH DOL’s laboratory certifications, including USEPA certification for Colilert-based drinking water testing methods and CDC ELITE certification for Legionella testing, require the use of validated IDEXX testing systems and consumables.

IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole authorized supplier of all Colilert, Colilert 18, Colisure, Enterolert, Pseudalert, Legiolert, Quanti Tray, Filta Max, Tecta, and associated QC and molecular testing products used by IDPH DOL. No third party distributor or alternative vendor can provide these materials, and substituting other products would violate EPA method approval requirements and jeopardize IDPH-DOL’s USEPA and CDC ELITE certifications for microbiological water testing.

A multi-year term ensures pricing stability and continuity of supply. IDEXX has provided firm, quoted pricing for all required products over a multi-year period, which allows IDPH DOL to avoid potential annual cost increases and administrative burden associated with renegotiating pricing each fiscal year. This structure offers an economic benefit to the State by locking in pricing and ensuring uninterrupted access to the specialized consumables that support public health protection statewide. By securing pricing for the full duration of the contract, the Department mitigates the anticipated year‑over‑year cost increase—estimated at 8 percent.

When IDPH‑DOL compared the current contract prices to the new multi‑year quote for the same IDEXX materials, every line item increased by approximately 8 percent. If IDPH‑DOL continued issuing one‑year small purchases, those annual increases would be expected to continue compounding each year.A multi‑year contract mitigates that risk by securing firm pricing over the full term and ensuring continuity of supply. This structure provides an economic benefit to the State by stabilizing costs, reducing administrative burden, and guaranteeing uninterrupted access to the specialized consumables required to support public‑health protection statewide.

The Springfield IDPH laboratory performs all Legionella testing for the Division of Laboratories. Samples are collected from healthcare facilities and other environments where building water systems may pose a risk for Legionella pneumophila exposure. The Springfield laboratory uses IDEXX Legiolert, which is acceptable under the CDC ELITE program, and is required for accurate and standardized Legionella outbreak response.

In addition to coliform and Legionella detection, IDPH-DOL also conducts enterococci, Pseudomonas, heterotrophic plate count, filtration, and molecular surveillance testing, all of which require IDEXX’s proprietary reagents, trays, QC materials, and filtration systems. These consumables support EPA validated workflows and allow IDPH-DOL to meet state and federal regulatory responsibilities for drinking water safety, recreational water quality monitoring, environmental surveillance, and outbreak investigations.

IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole authorized supplier of Colilert, Colilert 18, Colisure, Enterolert, Pseudalert, Legiolert, Quanti Tray systems, Filta Max equipment, Tecta instruments, and all related QC and molecular testing kits. Because these items are proprietary and required for EPA method compliance and laboratory certification, no alternative products may be substituted, and IDEXX is the only source capable of supplying the necessary materials Q2Answer: The Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories (IDPH‑DOL) requires a comprehensive suite of EPA‑validated and CDC‑recognized testing consumables exclusively manufactured by IDEXX to perform legally mandated water microbiology testing. These specifications include specialized reagents, trays, vessels, pretreatment chemicals, and associated materials used to detect coliforms, E. coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Legionella pneumophila, as well as to support environmental surveillance workflows. Together, these items ensure compliance with USEPA drinking water standards and CDC ELITE expectations and support standardized, evidence‑based methods for water quality testing across all three IDPH laboratories.

1. WLGT100 – Test Legiolert 100 mL (100T). Specification: Legiolert is IDEXX’s proprietary test for Legionella pneumophila, using a nutrient indicator that changes color when the target organism is present. It is designed specifically for use in potable and non‑potable water systems.

2. WQTLGT100 – Quanti‑Tray Legiolert (100 pack). pecification: A 100‑well Quanti‑Tray engineered to work exclusively with Legiolert reagent for Most Probable Number (MPN) quantification.

3. WLGTPRE – Legiolert Pretreatment. Specification: A pretreatment reagent used to neutralize inhibitory substances in water samples before performing Legiolert testing.

4. WP200I18 – Gamma‑Irradiated Colilert‑18 (200 pack). Specification: EPA‑approved reagent for total coliform and E. coli detection, with an 18‑hour incubation time. Gamma irradiation ensures sterility and quality.

5. WV150SBST200 – Vessels with SB and ST (200 pack). Specification: Sterile IDEXX vessels designed for use with multiple reagent systems. “SB” and “ST” refer to specific vessel types required for IDEXX’s approved testing methods.

6. WP200I – Gamma‑Irradiated Colilert 100 mL (200 pack). Specification: Standard EPA‑approved Colilert reagent for detection of total coliforms and E. coli in drinking water. Sterilized by gamma irradiation.

7. WV150SB200 – Vessels with SB (200 pack). Specification: Single‑type sterile IDEXX vessels used to hold, mix, and process samples with IDEXX reagents.

8. WQT100 – Quanti‑Tray Disposable (100/box). Specification: Standard 100‑well Quanti‑Trays compatible with Colilert, Colilert‑18, and other IDEXX MPN tests.

9. WQT2K – Quanti‑Tray 2000 Disposable (100/box). Specification: High‑density, 97‑well Quanti‑Tray/2000 format for expanded detection ranges.

10. Shipping. Covers transportation and secure delivery of all IDEXX consumables to IDPH‑DOL laboratories.

Q3Answer: IDPH‑DOL requires water‑testing supplies that meet strict USEPA‑validated and CDC‑recognized microbiological testing standards. IDEXX provides the only proprietary reagents, trays, vessels, and associated consumables that are approved for use in the EPA‑validated Colilert and Colilert‑18 methods and the CDC ELITE‑acceptable Legiolert method. These methods are mandatory for IDPH‑DOL to maintain its federal and national laboratory certifications for coliform, E. coli, enterococci, Pseudomonas, and Legionella testing.

IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole authorized supplier in the U.S. and Canadian water‑testing markets for all required Colilert, Colilert‑18, Colisure, Enterolert, Pseudalert, Legiolert, Quanti‑Tray, Filta‑Max, Tecta, and molecular water‑testing products. No alternative vendors are permitted to manufacture or distribute these materials, and no substitute products are considered valid under EPA‑approved microbiological water‑testing methods. Substituting any non‑IDEXX testing system would invalidate IDPH‑DOL’s laboratory certifications and compromise the reliability of water‑quality monitoring results statewide.

IDPH‑DOL has invested significantly in IDEXX testing infrastructure, including instruments, proprietary reagents, QC kits, molecular testing components, and consumables that directly support EPA‑validated workflows. This investment ensures IDPH can produce consistent, comparable results that align with national public health and water‑quality standards. Maintaining this consistency supports multi‑year trend analyses and allows IDPH’s results to be accurately compared to water‑testing outcomes from public health laboratories across the United States.

Without access to these sole‑source IDEXX materials, IDPH‑DOL would lose essential diagnostic capability, specifically its ability to perform Legionella outbreak response and containment, as well as USEPA‑certified coliform and E. coli drinking‑water testing. These capabilities are legally and operationally required for safeguarding community water systems, healthcare facilities, and public health statewide.

Q4Answer: The supplies required by IDPH‑DOL possess unique, proprietary features that are available only from IDEXX and cannot be sourced from any other vendor. IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole authorized supplier of all Colilert, Colilert‑18, Colisure, Enterolert, Pseudalert, Legiolert, Quanti‑Tray, Filta‑Max, Tecta, and related QC and molecular water‑testing products used by IDPH‑DOL. No third‑party distributors or alternative manufacturers are permitted to produce or supply these EPA‑validated materials.

The unique features that make these supplies irreplaceable include:

• Exclusive EPA and CDC validation: IDEXX testing systems including Colilert, Colilert‑18, and Legiolert—are the only tests approved under U.S. EPA drinking water regulations and the only Legionella test acceptable under the CDC ELITE program for the methods used by IDPH‑DOL. No other vendor’s products meet these mandatory federal validation standards.

• Proprietary, method‑dependent reagent and tray systems: IDEXX reagent formulations and Quanti‑Tray systems are proprietary and designed to work as an integrated unit. Because the chemistry, tray format, and incubation conditions are interdependent, no non‑IDEXX reagents or consumables can be substituted without invalidating the test method. EPA‑validated MPN calculations require this specific reagent‑tray system.

• Only materials that maintain IDPH laboratory certifications: IDPH‑DOL’s USEPA certification for coliform testing and CDC ELITE certification for Legionella testing require the use of IDEXX‑branded test kits. Switching to another manufacturer would immediately compromise certification and invalidate test results.

• Specialized consumables tied to existing instrumentation: IDPH‑DOL’s instruments and test platforms—including Quanti‑Tray sealers, Filta‑Max filtration equipment, Tecta automated testing systems, and IDEXX QC kits—require IDEXX‑specific consumables. Without IDEXX’s proprietary reagents, trays, and vessels, IDPH’s existing analytical equipment cannot operate. No other vendor’s products are compatible.

• Only vendor offering EPA‑approved automated testing for drinking water: The IDEXX Tecta system is the only automated presence/absence testing device approved by the EPA for drinking water microbiology. Its components and service plans are not available from any other manufacturer.

Together, these factors make IDEXX the only vendor capable of supplying the materials necessary for IDPH‑DOL to perform federally compliant drinking‑water testing, Legionella outbreak response, beach and well monitoring, environmental surveillance, and trend analysis consistent with national laboratory standards.

Any attempt to transition to another coliform testing platform would require purchasing entirely new instrumentation, retraining staff, modifying validated methods, and undergoing new certification processes. Other EPA‑approved microbiological testing methods are available but are documented as more labor‑intensive, slower, and less cost‑effective compared to IDEXX’s standardized Quanti‑Tray/MPN system. These alternative methods would also reduce IDPH‑DOL’s testing efficiency and compromise statewide turnaround times for public health water testing.

For Legionella detection, IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole supplier of Legiolert, the only CDC ELITE‑acceptable rapid test used by IDPH‑DOL. No alternative vendor produces a rapid Legionella method with the same accuracy, validation status, or federal acceptance. Without IDEXX’s Legiolert system, IDPH‑DOL would lose its ability to perform standardized, certified Legionella surveillance and outbreak response testing, which is essential for protecting public health in healthcare facilities and high‑risk environments.

Because no alternate vendor offers products that meet the required EPA and CDC method validation, instrument compatibility, or certification requirements, alternative options were not viable for evaluation.

Since IDEXX is the sole manufacturer and sole authorized supplier of Colilert, Colilert‑18, Legiolert, Enterolert, Pseudalert, Quanti‑Tray systems, Filta‑Max, Tecta consumables, and related materials, there is no competitive market for alternative pricing. Price reasonableness is therefore evaluated through internal historical comparison, consistency with prior IDEXX contracts, and comparison with other Illinois agencies that use the same federally approved testing systems.

IDPH further benefits from IDEXX’s multi‑year fixed pricing, which prevents year‑to‑year price escalation and reduces administrative burden. Because no other vendor provides EPA‑validated or CDC‑recognized substitutes compatible with IDPH’s existing instrumentation, and because alternative testing methods would require new equipment, retraining, and recertification, the pricing offered by IDEXX represents the best possible and only feasible option for the State.

Multi-Year Contract Line Items

• WLGT100 – Test Legiolert 100 mL (100T):

Quantity 10, Total Cost $23,052.70

• WQTLGT100 – Quanti‑Tray Legiolert (100 pack):

Quantity 10, Total Cost $4,525.60

• WLGTPRE – Legiolert Pretreatment:

Quantity 4, Total Cost $79.32

• WP200I18 –…