FY24-002 Sole Source: Northwestern Univ. Trauma/Behavioral Health Research and CANS Project TP

The State of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) intends to award a sole source contract to Northwestern University for a one-year term from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 to provide trauma and behavioral health research, assessment, and support services. The scope of work includes 14 specific programs and services such as technical assistance for the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment, trauma training and consultation, data collection and analysis, and support for the B.H. Consent Decree initiatives. Northwestern University has developed proprietary programs and data over more than a decade of providing these services to DCFS, and DCFS has determined that transitioning to a new vendor would be cost-prohibitive and disruptive to the critical services provided to DCFS youth. The total estimated value of the initial term is $3,670,500, to be funded through state funds.

This is a sole source procurement due to Northwestern University's unique qualifications and the specialized nature of the services required. DCFS has used Northwestern for these services since 2007, spending over $45 million to develop the fundamental components and capabilities required. DCFS determined there are no other vendors capable of providing the same level of services and replicating the systems and methodologies already in place. A public hearing will be canceled unless an interested party submits written comments or requests a public hearing by April 7th at 4 p.m. The contract does not include any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, and there is no information provided regarding incumbent vendors or the current competitive environment.