Section 1300.2060  Duration of Contracts − General

a)         General

1)         A multi-term contract for a term up to 10 years is authorized when it is in the best interest of the State.

2)         A software license may have a term longer than 10 years, including for a perpetual term, provided the payment term is limited to no more than 10 years.

b)         The contractual obligation of both parties in each fiscal period succeeding the first is subject to the appropriation and availability of funds therefor.  The contract shall provide that, in the event that funds are not available for any succeeding fiscal period, the remainder of such contract shall be cancelled without penalty to, or further payment being required by, the OAG.  This provision applies to only those contracts that are funded in whole or in part by funds appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly or other governmental entity.

c)         Conditions for Use of Multi-Term Contracts

A multi-term contract may be used when:

1)         special production of definite quantities or the furnishing of long-term services are required to meet OAG needs; or

2)         a multi-term contract will serve the best interests of the State by encouraging effective competition or otherwise promoting economies in OAG procurement.  The following factors are among those relevant to such a determination:

A)        firms that are not willing or able to compete because of high start-up costs or capital investment in facility expansion will be encouraged to participate in the competition when they are assured of recouping such costs during the period of contract performance;

B)        lower production costs because of larger quantity of service requirements, and substantial continuity of production or performance over a longer period of time, can be expected to result in lower unit prices;

C)        stabilization of the contractor's work force over a longer period of time may promote economy and consistent quality; or

D)        the cost and burden of contract solicitation, award, and administration of the procurement may be reduced.

d)         Multi-Term Contract Procedure

The solicitation shall state:

1)         the proposed term;

2)         the amount of supplies or services required for the proposed contract period;

3)         whether bidders or offerors may submit prices for:

A)        the first fiscal period only;

B)        the entire time of performance only; or

C)        both the first fiscal period and the entire time of performance; and

4)         that a multi-term contract may be awarded and how award will be determined.

e)         Renewals

1)         Where the original procurement specifically called for an initial term plus renewals, the renewals may be exercised without further procurement activity, provided the initial term and the exercised renewals may not exceed 10 years, the terms and conditions do not change except as provided in the contract (such as price escalations tied to an index) and the option is reserved solely to the OAG.

2)         Where the original procurement was silent as to renewals, the renewal must be within the guidelines for small, sole source or emergency procurements as set forth in the Code and this Part.