DHS Emergency Notice Coal for Choate & Murray Centers

This is an emergency procurement by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) to purchase coal for the Choate and Murray Centers, which provide essential heating and power to these facilities. The previous contracted vendor filed for bankruptcy and could no longer supply coal, creating an urgent need for an alternate supplier. Knight Hawk LLC has been selected as the emergency vendor to immediately deliver coal from June 17, 2021 through September 14, 2021 at an estimated cost of $236,570, while DHS conducts a new competitive solicitation for a long-term coal contract. This emergency procurement is the first time DHS has had to independently secure a coal contract, as previous coal supplies were handled by the Central Management Services (CMS) agency. The new Invitation for Bid (IFB) has been published and DHS intends to have the new contract in place before this emergency contract expires, but may request an extension if the new solicitation is delayed.

This emergency procurement does not include any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The current incumbent vendor is Knight Hawk LLC, as they are the only local supplier with available coal inventory to meet the immediate need. There is no specific budget range listed, but the estimated cost of $236,570 will be covered by state appropriated funds. The new IFB for the long-term coal contract is open to all qualified bidders, with the intent to establish a competitively awarded contract to ensure reliable coal supply for the Choate and Murray Centers going forward.