Emergency Notice Dekalb Disaster Recovery Data Center Equipment

The Illinois Tollway's Facilities and Fleet Operations Division is pursuing an emergency procurement for disaster recovery data center equipment, specifically targeting critical infrastructure upgrades at the Dekalb Data Center. The procurement involves acquiring one Liebert NPower 80kW UPS unit with a battery cabinet, two 225 Amp disruption panels and breakers, one 600 Amp disconnect, and associated outlets and cables from ThermFlo, Inc. The emergency contract is structured to prevent service disruption during generator replacement, with a contract period spanning from December 17, 2024, to January 31, 2025. This emergency purchase is necessitated by the immediate need to maintain continuous data center operations and ensure uninterrupted critical state services related to health, safety, and revenue collection. The procurement follows an emergency purchase protocol, with a total estimated expenditure of $49,462.00 funded through toll revenue.

The emergency procurement does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. ThermFlo, Inc. was selected as the sole vendor due to their existing generator rental contract with the Illinois Tollway and their ability to ensure service continuity. No existing state contract was available for these specific supplies and services, which prompted the direct emergency procurement. The vendor selection was strategic, considering the potential complexity and cost of coordinating multiple IT vendors like Dell, Presidio, and Accenture if system downtime were to occur. The procurement avoids potential system interruptions by maintaining vendor consistency and leveraging an existing relationship. The total budget for this emergency equipment acquisition is $49,462.00, which will be funded through toll revenue rather than state-appropriated funds.