Nextalk/ Textnet TTY Services - SS

The State of Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) is seeking to award a sole source contract to HITEC Group International, Inc., dba HITEC, for NextTalk/TextNet TTY Services. The services provide a secure, private, and ADA-compliant solution for Illinois residents with hearing and speech impairments, delivering effective communication software. The initial contract term is from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, with the possibility of renewals. HITEC is the sole licensed provider of these specialized services in Illinois, and the estimated value of the initial term is $111,605, with a 1% annual increase. The justification for the sole source award highlights that HITEC's NextTalk/TextNet services are the only solution that can satisfy DoIT's requirements, as HITEC is the sole licensed provider in Illinois and Wisconsin, and the services are currently used by Illinois agencies to provide essential communication channels for residents with disabilities.

The public will have an opportunity to provide comments or request a public hearing on the sole source award by July 21, 2023, at 4 PM. Replacing the existing NextTalk/TextNet equipment would cost the State over $234,000, not including licensing and maintenance, and migrating the service to a virtual server will result in cost savings for the State. The procurement does not include any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, and there is no indication of an incumbent vendor or existing technology integration requirements. The awarded contract value is estimated at $111,605 for the initial term.