This emergency/quick purchase was required due to a situation in which items available on the spot market or at discounted prices were available for a limited time such that sound business judgment mandated a purchase immediately to take advantage of the availability and price.

AT&T is our existing analog circuit vendor. AT&T provides analog circuits for campus communication services for Technology Solutions to connect to buildings which are not physically connected to campus by University infrastructure. AT&T is the only vendor who can provide the analog circuits for the outdated technology. The crucial analog circuits must remain in service as the scope of the services are critical for the daily business function of the University. The services include Analog Private Lines serving the emergency response systems, hospital and campus call distribution systems, UIC parking lots, and other campus services. The current State of Illinois Contract which we are utilizing expires on December 9, 2022 without any renewals and AT&T does not execute contracts under 12 months. AT&T is the only vendor who can provide this analog circuits for the outdated technology. There are different types of analog circuits covered on this current contract under the State Contract, including our life safety emergency response system that reports directly to UIC Police dispatch, UIC Parking services, and our hospital and campus call distribution systems. The financial impact to the university for these circuits will increase from $44,500 MRC per month ($534,000 annually) to $66,750 MRC per month ($801,000 annually). In addition, a tariff increase will occur in September 2022. The Technology Solutions team is actively working on decommissioning these circuits, but expect the work to be completed between August-October 2022. It is in the best interest of the University to procure the services as a Quick Purchase before before March 1, 2022 the new rate will increase by $22,250 per month which equates to $267,000 annually.