EMERGENCY NOTICE - IDOC - NASPO Inmate Communications

The Illinois Department of Corrections has executed an emergency procurement for inmate communications and electronic service delivery systems under NASPO ValuePoint cooperative authority, with contract award to Inmate Calling Solutions, LLC effective May 29, 2026 and a proposal due date of August 26, 2026.

This is a post-award notice of an emergency purchase already executed; the cooperative vehicle (NASPO ValuePoint) and single-vendor selection foreclosed competitive bidding. IDOC justified the emergency under 30 ILCS 500/20-30 to prevent serious disruption in critical state services affecting health and safety. The procurement involved competitive evaluation across multiple NASPO ValuePoint vendors; Inmate Calling Solutions prevailed on significantly lower calling rates (22% savings) and video visitation rates (40–60% savings) relative to other cooperative options, flexible streaming-based pricing rather than flat fees, comprehensive service scope, and provision of tablet hardware at no cost to the state.

The contract scope encompasses a comprehensive electronic platform for individuals in custody across Illinois correctional facilities, including inmate communications, self-development and education delivery, friends and family contact, grievance tracking, entertainment, and administrative functions. Implementation includes technical site assessments, hardware installation, staff training, and distribution of tablets to all individuals in custody. Performance spans six months of implementation and ongoing service delivery.

The contract amount is $344,167. Funding is drawn from State Appropriated Funds and other designated sources. IDOC identified the critical operational need to streamline offender communications and provide higher education electronically in a sustainable manner. The emergency contract is temporary and will terminate once a new UPP (Unified Purchasing Procedure) Participation contract is completed.