High mast poles

The South Carolina Department of Corrections issued a procurement solicitation for high mast poles and related equipment for Richland County, specifically requesting four high mast steel poles (MHP100M2AB) with precise technical specifications. These poles must be galvanized, rated for 100 MPH wind speeds, designed to AASHTO LTS-4 criteria, 100 feet tall, and feature a 24.75-inch bolt circle diameter base for 2-inch bolts. The procurement also included four lowering device assemblies with top-latching center systems, internal winches, six fixtures, 480V 3-phase power capability, and one portable motor assembly for the lowering ring. The original solicitation was issued on November 6, 2020, with bids due on November 24, 2020, at 10:00 AM, and the initial award was scheduled to be posted on December 1, 2020. Sealed bids were to be submitted to the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch at 4420 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210, with alternative submission options via email to purchasing@doc.sc.gov.

The solicitation permitted vendors to claim South Carolina resident vendor preferences or U.S. end-product preferences if they met statutory requirements outlined in Section 11-35-1524 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Vendors were required to maintain a state vendor number and comply with ethics requirements, drug-free workplace certifications, and debarment regulations. Initially, Border States Electric was identified as the awarded vendor for $21,108.24, but a subsequent amended statement of award listed Graybar as the recipient with a total contract value of $83,227.80. Interestingly, a cancellation of award was posted on February 26, 2021, prior to contract performance, citing regulatory provisions that allow cancellation when determined to be in the state's best interest. The procurement included specific late delivery penalty provisions, with incremental 5% charges assessed for delays ranging from 1-15 days, and the state reserved the right to procure alternative items on the open market if delivery timelines were not met.