Sole Source Retrofit Tinius Olsen Universal Test Machines

The State of Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is issuing a sole source contract for the retrofit of three Tinius Olsen hydraulically powered Universal Testing Machines. IDOT needs to upgrade the machines' controllers from the current Super "L" 602 servo controllers to Virtual Machine Controllers (VMCs) as the former are no longer manufactured. The retrofit is estimated to cost $115,000 and needs to be completed by November 1, 2023. Tinius Olsen is the sole source for this work as they are the original manufacturer of the testing machines and only their factory-trained technicians are authorized to perform maintenance and upgrades. Retrofitting the existing machines is significantly more cost-effective than purchasing three new machines, which would cost approximately $600,000. The machines have a remaining useful life of 10-20 years, so the retrofit represents the best value for the state.

This is a sole source procurement, meaning Tinius Olsen is the only vendor deemed economically feasible to perform the required work. A public hearing will be held on November 29, 2023 at 2:00 PM to justify the sole source award, unless an interested party submits written comments or requests a public hearing by November 24, 2023 at 4 PM. IDOT has purchased parts and services for these machines from Tinius Olsen in the past through small purchase orders, and determined that retrofitting the existing machines is the most cost-effective option compared to purchasing new equipment. The contract value is estimated at $115,000, and there are no set-aside designations or incumbent vendors identified.