Announcement of a Sole Source Purchase

The hearing has been cancelled

Published Thursday, October 15, 2026

The hearing has been cancelled since no vendors registered to attend or submitted comments regarding this notice.

First published Tuesday, September 29, 2026

The University intends to award a contract for Maintenance agreement for the Glacios cryo-EM to FEI Company, Hillsboro, OR, for an estimated $110,045.41.

The University of Illinois Materials Research Laboratory seeks to procure a Maintenance agreement for the Glacios cryo transmission electron microscope to support ongoing research. This system is necessary to ensure compatibility with existing microscope and research protocols and to maintain continuity of current research operations. The University has concluded, based on the information available, that only one vendor can meet the University's technical and compatibility requirements in a manner that is economically reasonable. That vendor is FEI Company Inc. The procurement of this system will enable the University to maintain its current research capabilities and support the continued research.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the compatibility of equipment, accessories, replacement parts, or service is a paramount consideration. The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the items are required for compatibility and no other source is able to meet the researcher's documented needs. The university has provided detailed justification to support its conclusion as shown on the attached Sole Source Justification Form. 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.

For instructions on how to obtain a comprehensive purchase description, disclosure or contract forms, contact:

Jenny Henderson
1817 S. Neil Street
Illini Plaza, Suite 212, M/C 620
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 300-9903
FAX: (217) 239-6877

Purchasing Website

Chief Procurement Officer - Bridget McHatton

State Purchasing Officer - Catherine Bradbury

We will hold a public hearing at the date, time and location specified below, if we receive a request to testify regarding the sole source determination. We will also hold a hearing if any vendor submits a signed statement showing the capability to provide the stated supplies/services at or below the amount indicated.

The public hearing allows any interested party the opportunity to testify for or against the sole source determination as described in this notice. The purpose of the hearing is to receive information from the public in a reasonable manner. Formal rules of evidence will not apply. The hearing officer will produce minutes of the hearing and may record it in order to aid in the production of the minutes. After conclusion of the hearing we will decide whether the sole source determination was appropriate.

We must receive any request to testify and any vendor statement no later than the registration date and time indicated below. If we do not receive a timely request or statement, we will not hold the hearing. We reserve the right to cancel the procurement prior to any scheduled hearing. Please confirm the status of the hearing with the Hearing Contact.

Hearing Details

Date:

October 14, 2026

Time:

9:00 AM

Location:

Hearing Contact:

Catherine Bradbury

Phone: (217) 993-2327

E-mail:Catherine.Bradbury@illinois.gov

Additional Information: All sole source hearings under the jurisdiction of the Chief Procurement Officer for Higher Education will be conducted by tele-conference only until the in-person option is reinstated.

Date, time, and location are subject to change and/or cancellation. It is the responsibility of potential participants to confirm these details prior to attendance.

Registration

Registration Deadline:

October 9, 2026

Catherine Bradbury

Phone: (217) 993-2327

The State of Illinois has a policy to encourage prospective vendors to hire qualified veterans, minorities, females, persons with disabilities and ex-offenders.

Announcement of a Sole Source Purchase

Hearing Details

Registration

Documents

Sole Source Justification

Sole Source Justification Part 2