IDOC-Adult Education High School Equivalency Testing

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a vendor to provide an advanced electronic testing system for Adult Education High School Equivalency Testing across all 33 Illinois Correctional Centers. The procurement, identified by solicitation number 26-426DOC-ROBIN-B-49483, requires a comprehensive solution that will deliver testing services for approximately 300 monthly tests across 25 testing stations per facility. The vendor must provide electronic testing systems, software, administrator training, on-site and remote support, and peripheral electronic devices compatible with the I Pathways curriculum. Specific testing requirements include supporting three recognized high school equivalency test variations: General Educational Development Test, High School Equivalency Test, and Test Assessing Secondary Completion. The contract will have an initial term of 5 years, with a maximum total term not exceeding 10 years. Electronic bids must be submitted through BidBuy by October 20, 2025, with a mandatory 90-day firm pricing commitment. Evaluation will be based on responsiveness, responsibility, and lowest overall total price, with all bidders required to submit specific attachments including Vendor Disclosure and a Business Enterprise Program Utilization Plan.

The procurement includes a 2% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation goal, with the State of Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion setting an aspirational target of awarding at least 30% of contract dollars to businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Vendors must be registered in the Illinois Small Business Set-Aside Program and complete detailed vendor disclosure forms, including the Illinois Procurement Gateway Active Registered Vendor Disclosure Form. The state also aims to award at least 3% of contract dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small businesses. While specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the procurement will cover testing materials, electronic systems, and support services for all correctional facilities, with funding potentially coming from state appropriations and federal sources. Vendors must demonstrate compliance with numerous state procurement laws, including anti-discrimination provisions, tax obligations, and ethical standards, with potential for tax credits for hiring qualified veterans and certain ex-offenders.