Quick Purchase for 4 Hybrid SUVS

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has executed an emergency purchase of four Ford Hybrid Explorers on July 16, 2026, with authorization signed July 17, under Section 20-30(d) of the Illinois Procurement Code. This is not an open solicitation but a completed procurement under emergency authority; the proposal deadline of October 13, 2026 reflects administrative posting requirements rather than an active bid window.

The purchase was triggered by immediate staffing needs for four newly filled positions: one Elevator Inspector, one Fire Certification Specialist, one Chief Operating Officer, and one Director of Fire Service Outreach. The OSFM determined that two existing state master contracts—one for police pursuit SUVs (22-416CMS-BOSS4-P-41049) and another for electric SUVs (24-416CMS-BOSS4-P-63043)—did not meet the agency's timeline due to extended delivery cycles. The agency contacted three vendors for competitive quotes: Morrow Brothers (the selected awardee), Landmark, and Bob Ridings. Morrow Brothers, located at 1242 Main Street, Greenfield, Illinois, offered four hybrid SUVs at a lower cost than the master contract rates with immediate delivery availability.

The total estimated expenditure is $183,948, funded through state appropriated funds. A search of the Business Enterprise Program database yielded zero certified minority or women-owned vendors under NIGPC Code 071-80 for vehicles, making SBE or MBE participation infeasible. The award was made to Morrow Brothers without a competitive open bid process due to the emergency status and documented business justification.