Sole Source Replacement Cobalt 60 in VACIS X-Ray Trucks

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is posting a notice to award a sole source contract to Leidos, Inc. for the replacement of Cobalt 60 radioactive sources in two SAIC Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) trucks. IDOT has operated these trucks since 2004 as a deterrent against terrorism, human trafficking, and other illegal activities. The existing Cobalt 60 sources have a half-life of 5 years, and the last replacement was in 2009, so new sources are required. The replacement work will be performed by Leidos, Inc., the manufacturer of the VACIS trucks, who is the only entity qualified to perform this work under IDOT's Radioactive Material License. The value of this sole source contract is $131,422, and the work must be completed by August 31, 2019. IDOT has determined the pricing to be reasonable, as the previous replacement in 2009 cost $146,024. IDOT is funding this purchase with state appropriated funds, and there will be no future obligation to Leidos for maintenance or licensing. Without the replacement of the radioactive sources, the VACIS trucks' scanning capabilities will diminish, limiting their effectiveness as a public safety and law enforcement tool.

The sole source award to Leidos, Inc. is subject to a public hearing on May 31, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. (CST) in the Stratton Building in Springfield, IL. Interested parties may submit written comments or request a public hearing by 4 PM on the day of the hearing. After considering the testimony, the Chief Procurement Officer may approve the DOT's request to contract by the sole source procurement method. The contract does not appear to include any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. Leidos is the incumbent provider and the only qualified vendor to perform this specialized work on the VACIS trucks.