SHE IBF/cable television service contract/MM

The Illinois Department of Corrections is soliciting bids for a comprehensive cable television service contract for the Sheridan Correctional Center, seeking a vendor to provide cable services for 1,740 facility drops/hookups. The contract will cover a five-year term from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2030, with specific requirements for channel delivery including 57 standard channels, four programmable dedicated facility channels, four digital music channels from SiriusXM, and four religious channels. Vendors must provide all necessary equipment, installation, maintenance, and signal quality, with mandatory 24/7 technical support and a commitment to dispatch a service technician within 24 hours of notification. The procurement will be conducted exclusively through electronic bid submissions via BidBuy, with bids required to remain firm for 90 days from opening. Evaluation criteria will focus on responsiveness, responsibility, and pricing, with the state intending to award to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder. The bid submission deadline is September 3, 2025, and all bidders must comply with strict Department of Corrections security protocols, including comprehensive background checks for all personnel.

The procurement includes specific set-aside provisions favoring small businesses, with subcontracting limitations restricting non-small business participation to no more than 49% of the contract value. Vendors must be registered in the Illinois Small Business Set-Aside Program if applicable and provide detailed disclosures including information about lobbyists, pending contracts, and potential conflicts of interest. The state offers potential tax credits for hiring qualified veterans and ex-offenders, adding additional incentives for vendor participation. Bidders must complete mandatory documentation, including the Illinois Procurement Gateway Active Registered Vendor Disclosure form, Vendor Disclosure form, and Business Enterprise Program/Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plan. While specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the service and the five-year term suggest a significant procurement opportunity. The contract includes strict compliance requirements with Illinois procurement laws and provides the state reserved rights to amend the solicitation, reject any or all bids, and make award determinations in the best interest of the state.