EMERGENCY NOTICE-AGR-API-Perchloric Hood Decontamination

The Illinois Department of Agriculture, Division of Agricultural Production Inspection, has issued an emergency procurement notice for decontamination and repair services of two perchloric acid fume hoods located in the agency's Chemistry laboratory in Caseyville, Illinois. These fume hoods are critical equipment used to perform analyses of feed, fertilizers, and limestone products. The primary objective is to remediate hazardous accumulated perchloric acid residue and chemical crystals in the ductwork and surfaces that pose significant explosion and fire hazards. The vendor must possess specialized expertise in hazardous materials decontamination and demonstrate capability to safely handle the dangerous nature of perchloric acid work. Required deliverables include complete decontamination and repair of both hoods to restore them to operational status for laboratory use. The procurement timeline requires completion by July 25, 2026, with an anticipated start date of April 27, 2026, driven by the agency's need to conduct limestone sample testing in early April 2026. The emergency purchase determination was authorized by Michelle Grimsley, State Procurement Services Administrator, on April 28, 2026, with the due date for proposals set at July 25, 2026.

This emergency procurement was conducted with competition achieved to the maximum extent practicable under the circumstances; however, no Business Enterprise Program (BEP) certified vendors were identified as available under the applicable NIGP code classification for this specialized hazardous materials work. The agency determined that Illini Environmental LLC, located in Springfield, Illinois, was the only firm with the requisite expertise and willingness to undertake this dangerous project after contacting multiple vendors. The estimated contract value is $143,937.50, to be funded through state appropriated funds. No existing state contract was identified to meet this specialized decontamination need, and no incumbent vendor or current contractor information is referenced in this emergency procurement. The justification for emergency procurement authority was made under 30 ILCS 500/20-30(b) based on the serious disruption to critical state services and direct threats to public health and safety posed by the hazardous perchloric acid contamination.