Emergency notice: AGR-ISF-alcohol concession at beer tent

The State of Illinois Department of Agriculture has issued an emergency procurement notice for alcohol concession services at the Illinois State Fair's beer tents. The contract, specifically designated for the Combined Veterans Association of Illinois (CVA), grants exclusive rights to pour and distribute alcoholic beverages across three designated tent locations during the 11-day state fair. Key service requirements include selling only sealed beverages in aluminum cans and plastic bottles, strictly enforcing age restrictions, and operating from 12:00 PM to Midnight daily. The procurement covers the period from May 29, 2025, to August 26, 2025, with the contract focused on preventing disruption of critical state services. The opportunity is not a competitive solicitation but rather a direct award based on CVA's previous successful performance in a 2018-2024 beer contract and their status as a local non-profit organization in Springfield.

The emergency procurement specifically waived the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal after the Chief Procurement Office determined that the sole registered BEP vendor was not qualified for large-scale event alcohol distribution. CVA will generate revenue through this contract, with an estimated expenditure of $350,000.00. The contract locations include areas near the Coliseum, north of the Commodities Pavilion, and southwest of the Commodities Pavilion. No existing state contract was available for these specific services, which prompted the emergency procurement approach. The vendor selection was based on CVA's professional approach to alcohol service and their commitment to using beer sales proceeds to support veterans. The procurement is jurisdiction-specific to St. Clair County, Illinois, with a posted date of June 5, 2025, and a final due date of August 26, 2025.