Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

The University would like to acquire a laser powder bed fusion 3D printer for metal additive manufacturing, capable of creating metal parts with as-printed densities.

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)) Laser metal additive manufacturing is a new and dynamic field of research that has seen unprecedented growth in the past decade. It enables the fabrication of near-net-shape parts with highly customized shape (such as patient-specific dental implants) and site-specific properties, overcoming long-standing barriers in the production of metals and alloys. Continuing research exempt per (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)).