IDOC - TABE Testing Materials

The Illinois Department of Corrections, specifically the Centralia Correctional Center, is soliciting bids for TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) testing materials through a competitive procurement process. The contract seeks to acquire a comprehensive set of testing materials, including 23 packs of 25 test booklets for various TABE test versions (13/14, 13A, 14A, 13D, 14D, 13E, 14E, 13M, and 14M), both in standard and large print formats. Additional deliverables include 1,000 locator answer document packs, 1,800 standard answer document packs, 30 administration manuals, 41 scoring guides, and 30 test direction sets. The procurement is exclusively for electronic bid submissions through BidBuy, with all required documents to be uploaded electronically by June 20, 2025. Evaluation criteria will focus on the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder, with bids remaining firm for 180 days from opening. Vendors must conform to bid requirements and submit pricing through the BidBuy Items Tab, with the contract term running from final signature through August 15, 2025.

The procurement includes a 10% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation goal, with an aspirational target of awarding 30% of contract dollars to businesses certified as owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. An additional 3% goal exists for service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small businesses. Vendors must submit a Utilization Plan demonstrating compliance with these diversity requirements, including documentation of good faith efforts to meet participation goals. Potential bidders must be registered in the Illinois Procurement Gateway and complete mandatory vendor disclosure forms, including detailed information about business ownership, certifications, and potential conflicts of interest. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract allows for subcontractors and requires compliance with state procurement regulations. The maximum contract amount will be determined by the State prior to execution, with funding subject to appropriation availability. Vendors should note that the State reserves the right to terminate the contract if sufficient funds are not allocated, and potential domestic product preferences may be considered during the evaluation process.