Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

Provision of uniform rental and laundering services, along with the supply and cleaning of miscellaneous items such as rugs, towels, and mops, for the animal facilities at the Biologic Resources Laboratory.

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, staff at the Biologic Resources Laboratory will continue to face daily challenges with uniforms that are ill-suited for the physical demands of their work in the animal facilities. The current uniforms are uncomfortable, lack sufficient functionality (such as adequate pockets), and have transparency issues, all of which negatively affect staff morale and productivity. Additionally, the preferred university vendor cannot meet the facilitys 365-day operational requirements. Without appropriate uniforms that support staff needs and operations, overall efficiency, well-being, and performance may sufferpotentially impacting the quality of animal care and research support provided by the facility.