SEFS Nextalk/ Textnet TTY Service FY26-FY30

The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) intends to award a sole source contract to HITEC Group International, Inc. for Nextalk/Textnet telecommunications services, designed to provide an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant communication platform. The procurement will support real-time text communication for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech difficulties, enabling text-based communication across various devices and accessibility needs. The contract will run from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2030, with no potential renewals. Key deliverables include maintaining 580 800-numbers and serving 635 users across governmental units and qualified non-profit entities. The solicitation process requires interested parties to submit written comments or request a public hearing by Friday, September 19, 2025, at 4 p.m. to the designated information contact. HITEC is the only licensed provider of Nextalk/Textnet within Illinois, and the agency has determined that alternative vendors cannot provide a comparable holistic system.

The contract appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. HITEC Group International, Inc. is positioned as the sole incumbent and proposed vendor for this telecommunications service. The total contract value is $567,778.83, which represents a savings of $53,778.83 compared to historical pricing. Funding will come from State Appropriated Funds, with the sole source justification based on compatibility of equipment and services. If the sole source is not approved, the state risks being non-compliant with ADA requirements, potentially facing liability and loss of federal funding. The procurement is critical for maintaining communication accessibility for individuals with hearing or speech disabilities across Illinois governmental units and qualifying non-profit entities. The contract represents a strategic investment in ensuring comprehensive, specialized telecommunications services for a vulnerable population.