Announcement of a Sole Source Purchase

First published Tuesday, July 28, 2026

The University intends to award a contract for IRU Dark Fiber to Stratus Networks, Inc, Peoria, IL, for an estimated $106,650.

The University has a need for an Indefeasible Right of Use for dark fiber between Morton, IL to Peoria, IL. This is needed to provide high speed connectivity between the three university campuses as well as peers and commodity Internet providers. The end result of this will be to provide internet service to other campuses and peers. The university, on information and belief, has concluded that only one vendor can meet its need or can meet the need economically. That vendor is Stratus Networks, Inc. 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 asking competitive information from firms with the capacity 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 that matter. Hearing information is described below.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the item or service is copyrighted or patented and is not available except from the holder of the copyright or patent.

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

Jenna Montgomery
Phone: (217) 300-6467

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:

August 12, 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:

August 7, 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.