DHS IFB Chicago-Read Laundry Services

The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) B-50499 on December 22, 2025, for professional laundry services at Chicago-Read Mental Health Center (CRMHC), located at 4200 N. Oak Park Avenue in Chicago, Cook County. The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to provide comprehensive laundry services including weekly pick-up and delivery of linens, clothing, and related items on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, with alternative scheduling for state holidays and Thanksgiving week. Required deliverables include sorting, washing at temperatures of 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit using industrial detergents, drying, ironing of sheets and pillowcases, folding, and stacking of bed linens, bedspreads, blankets, towels, gowns, robes, and laundry bags. The vendor must supply 23 cloth-covered poly linen transport carts, provide replacement institution-grade pillows upon request, and deliver detailed receipts and delivery tickets. The facility processes an estimated 295,000 pounds of laundry annually, and the vendor must comply with standards established by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JACHO), Medicare/Medicaid Conditions of Participation, and applicable Illinois Department of Public Health and DHS regulations. The bid opening occurred on January 15, 2026, with bidder questions required to be submitted in writing by 5:00 p.m. on January 8, 2026. The contract was awarded to Kalco Laundry as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder on January 20, 2026, for a total initial term award of $441,508.80 covering approximately 3 years and 5 months through June 30, 2029.

A 13 percent Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal applies to this solicitation, requiring bidders to submit a completed BEP Utilization Plan documenting either achievement of diversity goals through certified BEP vendors or documented good faith efforts to secure diverse vendor participation; failure to submit a compliant utilization plan results in rejection as non-responsive. All bidders were required to submit standard Illinois certifications, vendor disclosures, proof of authorization to transact business in Illinois, and evidence of required insurance coverage including General Commercial Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence with $2,000,000 annual aggregate and Workers' Compensation Insurance as required by law. The procurement was conducted through an open competitive bidding process, with three total bids received; Woods Throne Laundry LLC bid $513,300.00 and Smart Innovations bid $555,426.00 but were not selected for award. The State retained the right to reject any or all bids, waive minor defects, and request clarifications, with protests related to specifications required within fourteen days of solicitation posting and award protests required within fourteen days of learning of rejection. Kalco Laundry's utilization plan identified the company as self-fulfilling for the 13 percent BEP goal with allocation of contract value to certified BEP vendors. The initial contract term commences upon execution and extends through June 30, 2029, with a maximum total term not to exceed ten years including any renewal terms and extensions, and the State reserves the right to terminate for cause with written notice or for convenience with 30 days' prior notice.