Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

Research-grade animal Feed enrichment materials that meet strict quality standards and bedding supplies for use in the care of laboratory grade animals in the Biologic resources Laboratory animal facilities.

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)) Prairieland Feeds provides research-grade animal feed and enrichment materials that meet strict quality standards. Products such as Bed-r-Nest must be free of contaminants, strong odors, and atypical textures to avoid impacting animal behavior or research outcomes and must comply with standards set by Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care "AAALAC" International, which mandate environmental enrichment to support animal welfare and natural behaviors in research. If the exception is not approved, the university may face increased costs and delays, requiring the department to seek limited alternative suppliers and potentially pause high-cost research programs.