Replica Data Sole Source

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is announcing a sole-source contract award to Replica, Inc. for Replica Data Software under BidbuyNo. 27-494DOT-FINAD-B-53606, with a public hearing scheduled for October 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM CST via WebEx. This is not a competitive bid opportunity. The notice is posted for comment and hearing request only, with written comments or hearing requests due by 4:00 PM on the hearing date.

IDOT has determined Replica as the sole economically feasible source based on the proprietary nature of the travel demand modeling platform and lack of alternative vendors offering equivalent capabilities. Competitors such as AirSage, StreetLight, and Teralytics provide only aggregated data without individual traveler characteristics or sufficient update frequency. The procurement is funded through state appropriated funds and structured to meet federal Justice40 requirements and IDOT's research and transportation project assessment needs.

The scope covers access to Replica Places (high-fidelity synthetic travel outcome model updated semi-annually) and Replica Trends (nationwide mobility model with weekly updates at census-tract level fidelity), delivered via browser-based Software-as-a-Service with unlimited user seats for all member agencies across the state.

The contract value is $11.78 million for the initial three-year term beginning March 5, 2027, and ending March 4, 2030, with no renewal options. IDOT negotiated a discounted multi-year rate generating $1.027 million in savings compared to annual pricing. The State Purchasing Officer approved this sole-source determination on September 21, 2026. IDOT references three prior contracts with Replica valued at $6.9 million (2024–2027), $2.52 million (2021–2022), and $3.38 million (2019–2021).

The Chief Procurement Office notice contact is Dianne Richman, Dianne.Richman@illinois.gov or 217-622-1857.