Clear Over the Ear Headphones

The Illinois Department of Corrections is seeking a three-year contract for clear over-the-ear headphones specifically designed for hard of hearing and deaf individuals in custody, with a bid due date of May 29, 2026. The procurement is issued as an Invitation for Bid (IFB) under solicitation number 26-426DOC-CENTO-B-52328 and requires submission of all bids electronically through BidBuy. The headphones must meet specific technical specifications including clear housing, a built-in microphone, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a minimum five-foot cord, a frequency range of 30-20,000 Hz, and 60 Ohms impedance. Bidders must submit product samples prior to or at the scheduled bid opening for evaluation purposes; samples not destroyed during examination will be returned at the bidder's expense upon request with prepaid return shipping. The contract is an estimated quantities procurement with no guaranteed volume, and the State will award the contract to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. All deliveries must be made within 15 days of the executed purchase order to the Illinois Department of Corrections ADA Administrator in Springfield during business hours (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, weekdays excluding state holidays) unless pre-approved otherwise. The contract uses F.O.B. Destination pricing with all transportation and handling costs borne by the vendor, and the contract is funded through the General Revenue Fund (GRF).

No set-asides exist for small businesses, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, or veteran-owned small businesses; however, a Business Enterprise Program (BEP) utilization goal of 4% applies, requiring participation by certified minority, women, and persons with disabilities-owned businesses either through self-performance if the bidder is BEP-certified, through identified BEP-certified subcontractors, or through a good faith waiver request. Subcontractors are permitted but require prior written approval, and those with annual values exceeding $100,000 must provide Illinois Standard Certifications and Financial Disclosures. Vendors awarded contracts valued at $1,000 or more must pay a $15 minority contractor initiative fee, which will be deducted from the first payment; additionally, all awarded vendors must maintain general commercial liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate. The procurement requires preference for U.S.-manufactured products unless the domestic product is unavailable, costs 12% or more above comparable foreign products, is substantially lower in quality, or other specified exceptions apply. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation materials, as pricing is estimated and will be entered by the State prior to contract execution. The contract derives from the Holmes Settlement, which mandates provision of over-the-ear headphones to qualified inmates.