IOC - Sole Source - IBM Hardware

The State of Illinois is issuing a sole source contract for IBM hardware, including storage, power systems, management consoles, I/O enclosures, memory, processors, and storage capacity increments. This hardware is necessary to support the agency's new IBM server and maintain compatibility and performance for the millions of transactions processed annually. The contract term is one year, from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, with no renewal options. The total value of the initial contract term is $108,144. A public hearing is scheduled for July 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM to receive input on the sole source determination, which will be cancelled unless an interested party submits written comments or requests a public hearing by July 20, 2024.

The sole source procurement is deemed economically feasible, as the agency has purchased similar IBM hardware through piggyback contracts in the past two years, with values of $167,350 and $191,612. The agency has determined that this IBM hardware is the only option that is compatible with and can adequately support the existing mainframe system, citing the proprietary and specialized nature of the components. No set-aside designations or information about incumbent vendors or current contractors is provided in the documentation. The agency believes a competitive procurement would result in significant disruption to critical state services and revenue collection, and does not consider conversion to an alternative solution a good use of taxpayer funds at this time.