FY22-002 Sole Source: Northwestern Univ. Trauma/Behavioral Health Research and CANS Project TP

The State of Illinois is procuring a sole source contract with Northwestern University for Trauma/Behavioral Health Research and a CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths) Project. The contract involves a variety of research, reporting, training, data collection, and analysis services across 14 programs that directly impact the placement of children in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) care. Key deliverables include statewide administration of the CANS assessment, evidence-based practice and trauma credentialing, and numerous other specialized programs and initiatives. The sole source justification states that Northwestern University is the only vendor with the necessary capacity, data, and experience to perform these critical services. The contract term is for one year from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, with no renewal options. The total estimated value of the initial term is $3,671,132.86.

The sole source procurement method is being used as DCFS has contracted with Northwestern University for these services since 2007, totaling over $40 million, and determined that transitioning to a new vendor would be cost-prohibitive and disruptive to the services provided to DCFS staff, private agency staff, and youth in DCFS care. No set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond are mentioned. The public has the opportunity to submit written comments or request a public hearing by June 4, 2021 at 4 PM to provide input on whether the sole source procurement method is appropriate.