Intent to award sole source- beckmancou

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is issuing a sole source procurement for specialized medical laboratory equipment from Beckman Coulter, specifically seeking a lease/rental arrangement for a Hematology Analyzer DXH and Chemistry Analyzer DXC. The procurement includes associated reagents, consumables, supplies, maintenance services, training, metered billing, and emergency reagent shipment capabilities. The solicitation requires vendors to submit sealed offers by July 6, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., with submissions accepted at the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch located at 4420 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210, or via email to purchasing@doc.sc.gov. Beckman Coulter has been identified as the sole source vendor based on its unique position as the manufacturer and distributor of the specified equipment. The procurement notice was published in the South Carolina Business Opportunities (SCBO) for the mandatory minimum of ten business days, with potential vendors required to complete all three pages of the Intent to Award Sole Source form and provide documentation demonstrating full contract performance authorization.

The solicitation does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. No incumbent vendors beyond Beckman Coulter are mentioned in the documentation. While specific award values are not disclosed, the procurement involves comprehensive medical diagnostic equipment leasing with ongoing maintenance and supply requirements. Vendors who disagree with the intended award may file a protest within five business days of the notice posting, with formal protests due within fifteen days and directed to the Chief Procurement Officer at the Materials Management Office. The contract appears focused on ensuring continuous medical testing capabilities for the South Carolina Department of Corrections through specialized laboratory equipment and associated services. No pre-bid conference or site visit is scheduled, and the award becomes effective after the opening date and time if no alternative responses are received.