Intent to award sole source- MG newell

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is pursuing a sole source procurement for specialized dairy equipment maintenance services at the Wateree Dairy Farm. The contract is specifically focused on comprehensive maintenance, repair, parts, software, programming, troubleshooting, upgrades, design, additions, expansions, and fabrication/welding services for the Homogenizing and Pasteurization HTST (High Temperature Short Time) System. MG Newell Corporation of Greensboro, North Carolina, is the intended sole source vendor, primarily because they originally designed, built, and installed the system. All services must strictly comply with USDA Grade A Food Plant and DHEC regulations. The procurement process requires sealed offers to be submitted to the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch by July 6, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., either via physical mail to 4420 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210, or through email to purchasing@doc.sc.gov. Vendors wishing to challenge the sole source award must provide documentation demonstrating their authorization to perform all required services. The department previously advertised Solicitation #5400015233 for repair and parts services through the South Carolina Business Opportunities (SCBO) but received no responses other than from MG Newell.

The sole source procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. MG Newell is identified as the exclusive manufacturer and distributor capable of maintaining this specialized dairy equipment, which suggests significant technical barriers to competitive bidding. Potential challengers must submit protests within fifteen days of posting to the Chief Procurement Officer at the Materials Management Office, located at 1201 Main Street, Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201. While the solicitation does not explicitly state a contract value or budget range, the comprehensive nature of the services—including maintenance, programming, upgrades, and fabrication—implies a potentially significant financial commitment. The procurement is geographically limited to Richland County and specifically serves the Wateree Dairy Farm's operational needs. The existing infrastructure consists of a specialized Homogenizing and Pasteurization HTST System that requires continuous, expert maintenance to ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.