University of Illinois at Chicago
SoleSource #420VLH

Announcement of a Sole Source Purchase

Award Info Published Wednesday August 12, 2026

Acadental, IncOverland Park, TX

  • Amount: An estimated $675,000
  • Terms: An estimated start date of 7/17/2026 through 7/16/2029, 36 months
  • Renewals: None

Summary

Vendors

1 total
0 BEP vendors
0 VBP vendors
0 Small businesses

The University award process may be delayed as this award goes through a state approval process.

The hearing has been cancelled
Published Thursday, August 6, 2026
The hearing has been cancelled since no vendors registered to attend or submitted comments regarding this notice.
First published Monday, July 20, 2026
The University awarded a contract for Plastic Models & Teeth for coursework & exams to Acadental, Inc, Overland Park, TX, for an estimated $675,000.
The models and replacement teeth are required for student preparation and participation in the ADEX (American Board of Dental Examiners) licensing examination. The examination utilizes specific plastic teeth and models for clinical testing, and this vendor holds the exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute these items.

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 Acadental, 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 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.
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. These models and teeth are specifically designed and approved for use in the examination process, providing students with training materials that accurately replicate the testing environment and clinical procedures they will encounter during licensure testing. No other vendor offers the exact models and teeth used in the ADEX examination.

For instructions on how to obtain a comprehensive purchase description, disclosure or contract forms, contact:
Vernell Hammons
UIC Purchasing and Contract Management
809 S. Marshfield Ave.
3rd floor (MC 560)
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 996-3409
FAX: (312) 996-3135
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 5, 2026
Time:
9:00 AM
Location:
Stratton Building
Room 511
401 S. Spring Street
Springfield, IL

Hearing Contact:
Catherine Bradbury
Phone: (217) 993-2327
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 Deadline:
July 31, 2026
Register with:
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.

Documents

To obtain any of the following documents, please log into your Bulletin account.

Sole Source Justification

  • 420VLH.pdf (729 KB)

Sole Source Justification Part 2

  • 420VLHPt2.pdf (105 KB)
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