DHS SS voice adapted coin and currency counters

The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services is conducting a sole source procurement for 56 voice-adapted coin sorters and 56 voice-adapted currency counters for the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind (BEPB). These specialized devices are designed to be ADA-compliant and provide speech access functionality, enabling blind vendors to independently count, sort, and manage currency without assistance at 482 primary and satellite vending facilities throughout the state. The procurement is specifically targeted for Captek DBA Science Products, which is the only vendor capable of providing these technologically specialized devices with voice module adaptations. The contract will run from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2026, with no renewal options. Interested parties must submit written comments or request a public hearing by February 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with a potential public hearing scheduled for February 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM if requested.

The procurement is exclusively set aside for a vendor supporting blind vendors, with specific compliance requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act, and federal Randolph-Sheppard Act. The current equipment being replaced is over 20 years old and can no longer be refurbished, necessitating this targeted procurement. The contract is funded through federal funds and has an estimated total value of $608,025.60, with the vendor offering a 4% discount on the order. No competitive bidding process is being conducted due to the unique technological specifications required for voice-adaptive equipment specifically designed for visually impaired users. The sole source justification is based on the vendor being the only supplier capable of providing coin sorters and currency counters with voice adaptation technology suitable for blind and visually impaired managers of vending facilities.