Nextalk Textnet TTY Srvc FY25 SS

The State of Illinois is issuing a sole source contract for Nextalk Textnet TTY Services for Fiscal Year 2025. The Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) intends to award the contract to HITEC Group International, Inc., dba HITEC, as the sole Illinois reseller of the Nextalk/Textnet platform. The contract will provide equally effective communication to individuals with disabilities, including hearing and speech impairments, through an integrated Centrex-like system that combines public switched telephone network communication and TCP/IP network communication. The contract deliverables include Nextalk/Textnet software maintenance, port licenses, and 800 numbers for a 12-month term from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025, with a total contract value of $117,067.80. The State will cancel the public hearing for this sole source award unless an interested party submits written comments or a request for a public hearing by July 12, 2024 at 4 p.m.

This is a sole source contract, as HITEC has been the sole provider of Nextalk/Textnet services to the State of Illinois for the past 15 years. The pricing for these services has remained relatively stable, with less than a 2% increase since 2008, despite an overall inflation rate of approximately 46% during that time period. HITEC is the only vendor able to provide the Nextalk/Textnet platform, which is required for the State to meet its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The contract does not include any small business set-asides or preferences, and there is no information provided on incumbent vendors or contract renewal options.