DNR - Sole Source - Northeastern Illinois Summer Teen/Youth Adult Pilot Program

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking to sole source a contract with the Student Conservation Association (SCA), a not-for-profit organization based in Chicago, for a Northeastern Illinois Summer Teen/Youth Adult Pilot Program. The objective is to protect existing habitats, restore ecological functions, and improve the patron experience at William Powers State Recreation Area (SRA) and Illinois Beach State Park (IBSP). IDNR plans to place two young adult interns (aged 19-25) and team-based crews of high school students and young adults at these two locations during Summer 2021 to conduct various maintenance, restoration, and enhancement projects. The work will include clearing invasive species, cleaning and restoring trails and shorelines, planting trees, monitoring wildlife, and providing educational and interpretive services. IDNR has determined that SCA is the only vendor that can fully support this work, as it has the necessary expertise, resources, and established relationships in the local communities. The estimated value of the initial term is $191,000, which will be funded through state appropriations. IDNR plans to evaluate the success of this pilot program and, if deemed effective, competitively bid a multi-year program in the future.

This is a sole source procurement, and IDNR has determined that SCA is the only vendor that can provide the full suite of services required. There are no set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, as this is a sole source opportunity. The current contractor is SCA, and IDNR plans to evaluate the success of this pilot program before potentially implementing an ongoing program in the future.