Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

Procurement of Vector 3 Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) and Photomanipulation System to be integrated with our IX83 Olympus microscope. The Vector 3 system serves as an upgraded replacement for our current TIRF imaging system, which is no longer manufactured. The vendor custom-builds the system to meet our specific research requirements and provides the necessary software and technical support to ensure optimal functionality and long-term maintenance.

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)) If this exemption is not approved, we will be unable to upgrade our TIRF imaging system, limiting our ability to generate high-quality data critical to advancing cancer researchparticularly in the areas of angiogenesis and cancer biology. Relying on outdated technology will hinder our competitiveness and reduce the impact of our findings, potentially affecting our ability to publish in high-impact journals and secure future research funding. This would ultimately diminish the States contributions to important scientific advancements in cancer research.