FY 23 - DHS - SOLE SOURCE OBS - R&M for SORTER EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE

The State of Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is seeking to award a sole source contract to Fluence Automation for the repair and maintenance of the department's mail processing unit pre-sort equipment, including the Criterion IV Sorter and Apex Sorter, located in Springfield, Illinois. The contract will cover all required repairs, software installations, and monthly preventative maintenance using qualified/authorized technicians from Fluence Automation, the original equipment manufacturer. This sole source procurement is deemed necessary as Fluence Automation is the only provider capable of servicing this proprietary equipment, and failure to approve the contract would severely impact IDHS's ability to complete mandated mailings in a timely and cost-effective manner. The initial term of the contract is for one year, with potential for renewals, and the total value is $176,897.28. A public hearing will be held on March 30, 2022 at 2:00 PM in Springfield, Illinois, unless an interested party submits written comments or requests a public hearing by March 25, 2022 at 4:00 PM, to receive information on whether awarding this sole source contract is appropriate and in accordance with the Illinois Procurement Code.

This sole source procurement is restricted to Fluence Automation, as the original equipment manufacturer, and no other vendors are qualified to provide the required repair and maintenance services. The Department of Human Services has previously procured similar services from Fluence Automation. The budget for this contract is set at $176,897.28 for the initial one-year term, with the potential for renewals.