NOT A BIDDING OPPORTUNITY FY25 DHS EMERGENCY NOTICE Ludeman Kitchen Remediation Services

The state of Illinois, specifically the Department of Human Services (DHS) through Kankakee County, is seeking emergency remediation services for the Elisabeth Ludeman Center's main permanent kitchen. This non-competitive procurement is being executed by Nichols Enterprises, LLC to address a critical black mold contamination issue discovered in both the permanent kitchen and a temporary kitchen trailer. The emergency services involve complete remediation of the kitchen facility to ensure continued operational safety and prevent disruption of essential state services. The procurement is time-sensitive, with the project scheduled to commence on February 20, 2025, and conclude by May 20, 2025. Key objectives include eliminating health hazards, restoring kitchen functionality, and maintaining continuity of services at the DHS Developmental Disabilities facility. The emergency purchase is being executed without standard competitive bidding processes due to the urgent nature of the required interventions.

While the procurement does not involve traditional competitive bidding, the Department of Human Services identified potential for up to 29% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation, though Nichols Enterprises elected not to utilize BEP vendors. The total estimated expenditure for the emergency remediation services is $500,000, to be funded through State Appropriated Funds. The vendor was selected based on their existing on-site presence and familiarity with the facility, having previously completed remediation services for the temporary kitchen trailer. No specific restrictions were noted regarding vendor qualifications beyond the emergency procurement context. The procurement was approved and signed by Jean Sandstrom, Agency Procurement Officer, who confirmed compliance with emergency purchase regulations and the critical nature of addressing the mold contamination to protect health and safety standards at the facility.