Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

The procurement of data analytics consulting and training services supports a sponsored research initiative led by the Institute for Healthcare Delivery Design through the Office of Population Health Sciences. This project is grant-funded and directly tied to advancing IHDD's research capacity in data-driven healthcare evaluation and planning. The scope of services includes an introductory session providing an overview of data analytics modeling for IHDD staff Three in-depth training sessions focused on data analytics techniques, tools, and best practices. Up to three weeks of ad hoc post-training support to assist staff with applying learned concepts. Ongoing general data analytics consulting throughout the duration of the engagement. This training and consulting are critical to building internal expertise aligned with the goals of the sponsored project and ensuring successful execution and evaluation of grant-related deliverables.

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 not approved, IHDD will miss a key opportunity to build internal capacity in data analytics, delaying progress on data-driven decision-making and increasing long-term reliance on more costly external consultants. This would hinder the effectiveness of public health initiatives and slow the universitys efforts to promote evidence-based practices and sustainable in-house expertise.