Intent to award sole source-big dutchman

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is pursuing a sole source procurement for replacement parts from Big Dutchman for feeding, watering, and cage systems at MacDougall Farm's poultry operation. The procurement specifically covers consumable maintenance items and equipment failure components for an existing system installed in three laying houses. Interested vendors may challenge the sole source intent by submitting written responses via email to purchasing@doc.sc.gov or by mail to the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch, with responses required by July 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The contract term is one year with options to renew for two additional one-year periods. Vendors challenging the sole source award must demonstrate complete capability to perform and supply all required products and services. The Department justifies the sole source award based on Big Dutchman's proprietary and patented intellectual property for these specialized parts. Any protests must be submitted to the Chief Procurement Officer at the Materials Management Office within five business days of posting notice, with the full protest filed within fifteen days.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned in the procurement documents. The opportunity is limited to vendors capable of providing exact replacement parts for the existing Big Dutchman poultry system infrastructure. While no specific award value is disclosed, the procurement appears to be for maintenance and replacement parts for an existing poultry operation system. The sole source designation suggests that Big Dutchman is the incumbent and preferred vendor due to their proprietary design and intellectual property rights. No competitive bidding process is outlined, as the procurement is structured as a direct award with an opportunity for other vendors to challenge the intent. The procurement is specific to the South Carolina Department of Corrections and will be executed through their Purchasing Branch located in Columbia, Richland County.