PO26-060 Court Reporting and Transcription Services

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive court reporting and transcription services for administrative review cases and administrative hearings across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and Will Counties. The procurement is for a one-year contract from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with potential renewal up to a maximum of ten years. Qualified vendors must be certified shorthand reporters with current licenses, capable of transcribing digital voice recordings from administrative hearings and providing on-site court reporting services. The key deliverables include producing transcripts within 30 calendar days of the initial request, with options for expedited delivery. Approximately 175 administrative review complaints are expected annually, and all work must be performed exclusively in the United States. The proposal is due by July 10, 2025, and vendors must be prepared to undergo background checks, including Illinois State Police and Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System screenings.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the documents. Vendors must complete a comprehensive 33-point certification process covering legal, ethical, workplace, and operational standards, which includes compliance with anti-discrimination policies, tax requirements, and workplace regulations. Subcontracting is strictly prohibited, and all services must be performed directly by the awarded vendor. While a specific award value is not definitively stated, the contract will specify a maximum total payment amount prior to execution, with payment terms following the State Prompt Payment Act. Vendors must maintain strict confidentiality and provide transcripts only to parties directly involved in the hearing. The contract is contingent on fund availability and subject to appropriation by the Illinois General Assembly, which means the actual funding and contract value may fluctuate based on state budgetary considerations.