The Illinois Office of Comptroller (IOC) is giving notice of intent to enter into a sole source contract with Fluence Automation, LLC for software and maintenance services for its Apex sorter. A hearing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on May 13, 2020, via Webex Meeting (Webex Number: 312-535-8110; Access Code: 288 712 067). Interested parties wishing to request a hearing or submit comments must do so in writing and submit their request to the notice contact. Request for a public hearing by an interested party or written comments shall be made by Friday, May 8, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. to: Eugene Oliver at E-mail: Eugene.Oliver@illinoiscomptroller.gov. The hearing will be cancelled unless an interested party submits written comments or makes a written request for public hearing by Friday, May 8, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. to the notice contact listed above. If a public hearing is requested, the purchasing agency shall present testimony justifying the procurement method. Any interested party may present testimony for or against the awarding of a sole source contract. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive information from the public as to whether contract award by Sole Source is appropriate and in accordance with the Illinois Procurement Code. Formal rules of evidence will not apply. Hearings may be recorded in order to aid in the production of minutes. Parties may submit written comments in lieu of attending the hearing. Written comments will be afforded the same weight as oral comments received at hearing. After consideration of the testimony, the Chief Procurement Officer may approve the contract by the sole source procurement method.

The sole source hearing for May 20, 2020 has been cancelled due to no request for a hearing. This CPO has upheld the decision to award the contract for Fluence Automation, LLC for software and maintenance services for its Apex sorter. Written approval is attached.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the item or service is copyrighted or patented and is not available except from the holder of the copyright or patent.