Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has the need to purchase technical support, services, and software upgrades necessary to maintain Siemens systems currently in use at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC). The software, Distributed Control System SIMATIC PCS7, for the process automation of equipment, would require upgrades as necessary. The end result of doing a three-year contract with Siemens would be economically feasible to lock in lower pricing. The University, on information and belief, has concluded that only one vendor can meets its need or can meet the need economically. That vendor is Siemens Industry, Inc. The University has provided detailed justification to support its conclusion as shown on the attached Sole Source Justification Form and attached letter from Siemens. Although the University has presented this as a sole source procurement, we are seeking competitive information from firms with the capability of meeting the University's need (even if performed in a manner different from what has been presented) to contact us and provide sufficient information to show the need can be met. If we receive that information, the Chief Procurement Officer will offer a public hearing to consider the matter. Hearing information is described below.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the procurement is software license, upgrade or maintenance.