Sole Source Public Review - DTI Gas Utility Poles

City Colleges of Chicago's Dawson Technical Institute (DTI) is pursuing a sole source procurement for treated wood utility poles to support the Overhead Electrical Line Workers Program, which provides hands-on training in overhead electrical line work and prepares students for ComEd employment assessments. The procurement requires 40-65 foot treated utility poles that meet industry standards for climbing, rigging, and rescue training and comply with safety-compliant utility training specifications. DTI has determined that Stella Jones Corporation is the only regional vendor with adequate stock and capability to consistently supply poles in the required height specifications while maintaining reliable delivery timelines and the necessary treatment and manufacturing standards. The initial contract term spans 24 months with a total procurement value of approximately $75,000 across all cycles. A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CDT via Zoom teleconference to allow interested parties to testify regarding the sole source determination, with registration and vendor capability statements required no later than February 23, 2026. Interested parties may file formal objections using the provided objection template, asserting their capability to provide equivalent utility poles at a price equal to or below the quoted amount.

The procurement does not specify set-asides or restrictions limiting participation by disadvantaged or minority-owned business enterprises, though MWBE schedules have been included in the supporting documentation. Stella Jones Corporation, the incumbent and proposed sole source vendor, has maintained a business relationship with CCC for approximately 18 years, with documented orders spanning from August 2024 through December 2025, and has consistently offered the most economical and competitive pricing compared to alternative vendors based on bid recapitulations conducted since 2006. The funding for this procurement is allocated from FY 2026 Operational funds, with the total project value capped at $75,000.00 from account string 541400. Approval of this sole source procurement is designated to proceed before the standard competitive bidding process to prevent disruption to program operations, delays to academic cohorts, and potential damage to the college's partnership with employer ComEd.