Laboratory Animals - Rodent species that are bred and maintained in isolated colonies become genetically adapted over time. Therefore, minor genetic variations occur between colonies maintained by different vendors.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for performing sponsored research and other sponsored activities under grants and contracts funded by the sponsor or by sources other than State appropriations. (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)) Purchase of animals from the same vendors provides less variability in the research and thus greatly improves the quality and reproducibility of the studies. Therefore, it Is essential to continue to purchase animals from the same source that previously supplied animals for comparable research studies.