EMERGENCY NOTICE IDVA Illinois Warrior Assistance Program Services

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has executed an emergency purchase order for Illinois Warrior Assistance Program (IWAP) behavioral health services, effective through a 90-day bridge period ending September 13, 2026, under Emergency Purchase Statement B-52990.

This is a sole-source continuation award to incumbent Illinois Joining Forces (IJF), not an open solicitation. The contract was signed on or before June 15, 2026. IDVA selected IJF based on existing infrastructure — the IDVA website, 24/7/365 toll-free call center established in 2023, statewide network of credentialed U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-accredited providers, and established accreditation — factors the agency determined would entail significant transition time and cost if switched to a new vendor.

The scope covers telephonic resource and referral assistance, behavioral health screening, assessment, care coordination, counseling and psychotherapy, prescription facilitation for behavioral health medications, legal and financial counseling, and support services for Illinois veterans and their families addressing PTSD, mild traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and substance abuse. The program operates a 24/7/365 toll-free helpline with emergency suicide referrals to the National Suicide Hotline; regular service hours are Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Central Standard Time.

The estimated expenditure for the 90-day emergency period is $84,387.16, funded through state appropriated funds. This emergency purchase bridges a gap created when the existing arrangement expired without sufficient time for competitive solicitation. IDVA is conducting an internal audit to inform development of a future long-term competitive IFB that will open participation to qualified contractors, including those certified under the Illinois Business Enterprise Program.