1301-26-R-RFIN-00006

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is conducting a sole source procurement for Clear Labs kits and reagents to support Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) testing using the Clear Dx system, specifically for SARS-CoV-2 sample analysis. The procurement encompasses three distinct reagent bundles: Clear Dx Microbial Surveillance WGS Reagent v2.0 & Automation Bundle (70 cases annually), Clear Dx FlexPro Wastewater (SARS-CoV-2) WGS Reagent & Automation Bundle (14 cases annually), and Clear Dx WGS SARS-CoV-2 Reagent v3.0 and Automation Bundle (14 cases annually). The Mississippi Public Health Laboratory (MPHL) utilizes WGS testing to detect foodborne illness outbreaks for submission to the PulseNet national database and to monitor SARS-CoV-2 variants in clinical and wastewater samples. The laboratory processes over 1,000 foodborne specimens annually and must complete WGS testing and database submission within seven days of specimen receipt. The objection deadline for this sole source procurement is May 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CST, with objections directed to Cynthia Brasher at the Mississippi State Department of Health Purchasing Department. Clear Labs has been identified as the sole manufacturer and exclusive vendor of the specified products, as these reagents are designed specifically for use with the existing Clear Dx system and cannot be substituted with alternative suppliers.

This procurement is designated as a sole source purchase with no apparent set-aside restrictions or limitations on organization types able to respond; however, objections proposing alternative sources will be reviewed, and the MSDH may withdraw the sole source notice to pursue competitive bidding or appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board to substantiate the sole source claim. Clear Labs operates as a direct vendor to laboratories without utilizing clinical market distributors, establishing the company as the incumbent vendor for this specialized procurement. The existing Clear Dx system infrastructure requires integration with the specific Clear Labs reagent bundles, precluding substitution with alternative suppliers. The total estimated cost for this procurement is $226,072.00, comprising $221,872.00 for kits and reagents and $4,200.00 for shipping and insurance. The MSDH has conducted an exploration of applicable discounts to secure the best possible pricing for these critical laboratory supplies.