DHS Sole Source Shapiro Camera Project

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, is conducting a sole source procurement for the Shapiro Camera Project, a component of a statewide camera installation initiative across seven State Operated Developmental Centers (SODCs). The procurement covers the purchase of six Axis S1296 Rack Recorders with 96TB capacity and a performance bond required for system implementation at Shapiro Center. The primary objective is to complete the camera installation and integrate the network video recorders with previously installed Axis camera systems across five other SODCs to maintain system-wide standardization, operational efficiency, and IT governance compliance. Key qualifications for the vendor include expertise as an Axis Channel Partner, ability to provide design support, software updates, troubleshooting, warranty services, and proven experience with statewide master contract vendor status for camera procurement and installation. The contract term is scheduled from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, with no renewal options. The procurement was posted on December 23, 2025, with a critical deadline of Friday, January 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. for written comments or public hearing requests; absent such submissions, the hearing will be canceled and the contract will proceed to award.

This is a sole economically feasible source procurement with no set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises specified in the available documentation. The incumbent vendor is A-1 Lock, Inc., currently serving as the statewide master contract vendor (P-25705) for camera installation across the state's developmental centers. The sole source justification is grounded in the technical requirement for equipment compatibility, as the Axis recorders must integrate seamlessly with Axis cameras already installed at five other SODCs; this integration requirement, combined with IT Governance approval of the current system configuration, supports the sole source determination. A-1 Lock, Inc. is offering a five percent discount on the network video recorders, generating savings of $6,479.70 compared to alternative vendors such as Affinitech ($21,599.00 per unit) and A1 Security Cameras ($20,885.20 per unit). The total contract value is $131,784.30, funded entirely through state appropriated funds, and the State Purchasing Officer approved the procurement on December 22, 2025, with Central Procurement Officer authorization granted on January 7, 2026.