Desktop Breath Testers Request for Information

The State of Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) issued a Request for Information (RFI) for desktop breath testers on January 2, 2019, with responses due by January 24, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. EST. This non-binding information-gathering exercise seeks vendor market intelligence to develop future procurement strategy for evidential breath alcohol measurement devices used to test parolees, probationers, and potentially prisoners at Field Operations Administration offices and correctional facilities. The MDOC currently operates 77 AlcoMonitor CC desktop breath testers and over 100 handheld units, with plans for intermittent purchases throughout a potential contract period to replace aging equipment and possibly replace some handheld devices. All recommended breath testers must be listed on the federal Department of Transportation's Conforming Products List of Evidential Breath Alcohol Measurement Devices. Vendors must submit detailed responses addressing 19 specific questions covering product specifications, calibration processes, maintenance protocols, warranty coverage, software capabilities, company experience, and customer references, with preference given to references from Michigan. The state reserves the right to invite selected vendors for one-hour on-site demonstrations to an audience of 12-15 state employees, during which vendors must display functioning equipment with all peripherals. Vendors should provide pricing information for desktop breath testers, preventative maintenance, repairs, printers, and mouthpieces; however, the RFI explicitly states that no contract award will result from this process.

No set-asides, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent protections are identified in the RFI documents. The MDOC indicated it will evaluate whether refurbished desktop breath testers certified as being in sound working order represent an acceptable alternative to new equipment following RFI response review. The breath testers will not integrate with the MDOC's new offender management system and are not intended for a new substance abuse testing program, indicating no existing technology integration requirements. All vendor response information will become the property of the State of Michigan and is subject to disclosure under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, with the state incurring no liability for vendor costs associated with RFI response preparation or delivery. No specific funding amounts, contract award values, or award dates are identified in the RFI documents. Vendors should direct questions to Ethan Todd at todde1@michigan.gov or 517-241-5056, with answers to be posted on the SIGMA VSS website.