Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

Molecular Testing Laboratories (MTL) will provide HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) rapid self-test kits to 3400 study participants over the remaining 3 years of the study. A one-time test kit for sexually transmitted infection (STI) will also be supplied and shipped by MTL to a smaller set of 350 participants. Provide Dried Blood Spot kits to 1200 participants, including shipping to nationwide participant locations and processing shipping to our partner lab at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

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)) Molecular Testing Laboratories is one of the top suppliers in providing comprehensive testing options for at-home clinical laboratory testing, making it ideal for remote or hybrid remote clinical research studies. Given the broad scope of testing services and analyses offered by this lab, as well as its customization to fitting client specifications, and the lab's reputable experience with research protocols, it is a beneficial group for the University to enter into and maintain a contractual relationship. MTL can be used for a broad range of projects, albeit research or clinical services. MTL is a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certified, CAP accredited, and a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant lab.