Section 1620.1270  Prohibited Bidder Exceptions for Higher Education

The Chief Procurement Officer for Higher Education may file a request for the Executive Ethics Commission's approval to permit a public institution of higher education to accept a bid or enter into a contract with a business that assisted the public institution of higher education in determining whether there is a need for a contract or assisted in reviewing, drafting, or preparing documents related to a bid or contract. [30 ILCS 500/1-13(e)]

a)         The approval request shall be in writing and shall include:

1)         a description of the bid or contract, including the total contract price and the relationship to the research needs of the public institution of higher education;

2)         a description of the assistance provided by the vendor to the public institution of higher education; and

3)         an explanation of the reasons for selecting the vendor and of why it is in the best interest of the public institution of higher education to accept the bid or contract, notwithstanding the restrictions of Section 50-10.5(e) of the Procurement Code.

c)         The Commission will respond in writing to the approval request within 10 calendar days by either requesting more information or with an approval or denial of the request.

d)         Upon receipt of the Commission's approval or denial of the request, the Chief Procurement Officer for Higher Education shall publish the approval request and the Commission's decision in the online electronic Illinois Procurement Bulletin.

(Source:  Added at 42 Ill. Reg. 13550, effective June 26, 2018)