#40 Ultra-Low Temperature Stock Culture Storage

Dakota BioProducts Innovation Institute (Dakota BioWorx) and South Dakota State University are seeking procurement of four ultra-low temperature stock culture storage freezers through a competitive bid process for Brown County. The contract opportunity, identified as #40 Ultra-Low Temperature Stock Culture Storage, is soliciting proposals for equipment procurement, delivery, and start-up support with no installation requirements. The User Requirement Specification (URS) details precise technical specifications for the freezers, including requirements for capacity, temperature control, electrical systems, data logging, and user interface functionality. Bids are due by July 8, 2024, and must be submitted to Craig Arnold, Greg Opdahl, and Bobby Markham via their respective email addresses. Evaluation criteria will comprehensively assess bid compliance with the URS, pricing structure, lead time, and the vendor's historical performance and industry experience. The contract opportunity is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, which introduces specific compliance mandates for potential vendors.

The contract opportunity contains several critical compliance requirements, including adherence to the Buy America Provision, Prohibited Entity Certification, Boycott of Israel Restriction, and South Dakota Legislator Interest Certification. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, vendors will be evaluated on their overall qualifications and track record in delivering similar scientific equipment. The solicitation does not specify a precise budget range or award value, but the technical complexity suggests a potentially significant procurement investment. Vendors must demonstrate extensive experience with ultra-low temperature storage systems and the ability to meet rigorous scientific research equipment standards. The procurement process appears focused on selecting a vendor that can provide high-performance stock culture storage freezers with robust technical capabilities, reliable performance, and comprehensive start-up support for the research institutions involved.