NOT A BIDDING OPPORTUNITY - Emergency Notice for DDD BALC Surveyors

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, has awarded an emergency contract to Highgate Management Solutions, Inc. for five qualified surveyors to conduct licensure and certification surveys for Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), Community Day Services (CDS), and Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs), with the contract awarded on August 27, 2026 and an estimated value of $269,120.

This is an emergency procurement, not a competitive bidding opportunity. The emergency arose from the expiration of the previous competitively secured contract (PO-77257) on June 30, 2026, and exhaustion of funds under a Small Purchase agreement (PO-100959) totaling $99,976. A new Invitation for Bid process is underway; this emergency contract bridges the service gap during that procurement period to address the backlog of surveys and maintain health and safety protections for individuals in these facilities.

Surveyors must be either Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals (QIDPs) or hold valid certification from the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities. Staff employed under this contract possess Bachelor's or Master's degrees in Human Services and QIDP credentials, requiring 40-hour training and one or more years of direct experience with the intellectual and developmental disabilities population. Surveyors will be assigned to conduct surveys in either the Northern or Southern regions of Illinois.

Highgate Management Solutions, Inc., located at 1810 W 96th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60643, was selected based on prior successful performance under the previous competitive procurement, exclusive work history with BALC, and ability to immediately provide specialized trained staff with appropriate credentials and background clearances. The contract provides for 100 percent Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation, satisfying the state's best efforts requirement for certified minority contractor inclusion in emergency procurements. IDHS determined that engaging a new vendor would require three to six months or longer for staff training and clearances, necessitating continued engagement with the incumbent vendor. The contract is funded through State Appropriated Funds.