LINK IV EBT System RFP "Pricing Only"

This is a request for proposals (RFP) issued by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for the LINK IV Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) System. IDHS is seeking competitive proposals from qualified vendors to provide a comprehensive EBT system and services, including account establishment, card issuance and replacement, customer and staff training, transaction processing, customer service, retailer management, settlement and reconciliation, reporting, and data warehouse capabilities. The resulting contract will have an initial term of 60 months, with the possibility of a 60-month renewal, for a total term not to exceed 10 years. Vendors must submit pricing proposals separately from the technical proposals, and electronic submission through the state's BidBuy system is required, with no paper responses accepted. The current LINK III system distributes approximately $233 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and $13 million in Cash Assistance benefits each month to over 900,000 cases.

The RFP includes a 20% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation goal, requiring vendors to subcontract with certified minority-owned, women-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. While the incumbent vendor is not identified, the RFP requires the successful vendor to work cooperatively with IDHS and any future successor vendor to ensure a smooth transition. Funding sources and budget details are not provided in the RFP documents, but the state has indicated its intent to request various waivers from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to support the LINK IV EBT system implementation.