Business Enterprise Program for the Blind
809 Commercial Avenue
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 217-558-2321
Fax: 217-558-2328
The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services, Business Enterprise Program for the Blind (BEPB) intends to enter into agreements with Starbucks Corporation and Gallery Carts Inc. In accordance with 20 ILCS 2421 and in cooperation with the Randolph-Sheppard Act, BEPB is the State Licensing Agency charged with fostering the development of income generating opportunities for individuals who are blind or who have visual impairments. Through the agreements with Starbucks and Gallery Carts, BEPB will purchase a portable cart (kiosk) and coffee making equipment to serve Starbucks brand coffee.
The kiosk will be used by a blind vendor in Cook County in the operation of a concessions business, providing him with an income generating opportunity, as directed under the Randolph Sheppard Act. The kiosk allows the blind manager to operate from locations without access to water sources, as all water and water waste will be separately contained in various locations in the kiosk. The Gallery Carts of Colorado contract agreement is to buildout a portable kiosk to house the equipment used to prepare Starbucks coffee. In addition, the kiosk will have extra space, allowing the blind manager to sell other non-Starbucks brand vending items from the kiosk. Contract amount= $51,898.00
For the duration of DHS' agreement with them, only Starbucks Coffee can be served from this kiosk. Other vending items may be sold at the discretion of the blind manager. The Starbucks contract is for the purchase of A Coffee Art Plus Touch Semi-Automated Espresso Machine, 6 SBUX 1.5 Gallon Bunn Servers; 1 dual Bunn TF brewer-specific to SBUX specifications, and 1 water filter. Contract amount= $13,683.00
In total, the cost falls below the dollar threshold of a formal procurement per 30 ILCS 500/20-20. The procurement method is Small Purchase, subject to sole source conditions. The agreements are subject to the review and formal approval of the Chief Procurement Office for General Services.
Future, related procurements from the Starbucks Corporation are anticipated for ingredients. The blind vendor intends to operate his business inside the Leighton Court House in Cook County, Illinois.
