Intent to award sole source - smiths DET

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) has issued a sole source procurement solicitation (Number 5400019997) for comprehensive service, repair, maintenance, upgrades, and parts for HiScan X-ray inspection machines utilized across multiple SCDC institutions statewide. The procurement specifically targets Smith Detection Inc. as the proprietary vendor for these specialized X-ray equipment systems. Vendors interested in responding must demonstrate full authorization to provide all services and supplies, with no option to split the procurement between service and parts. The solicitation requires potential respondents to submit documentation confirming their complete capability to perform all required aspects of service and maintenance. Responses must be submitted by July 13, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., either via email to purchasing@doc.sc.gov or by mail to the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch at 4420 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. No pre-bid conference or site visit is scheduled, and offerors must maintain their proposal validity for a minimum of thirty calendar days after the opening date.

The solicitation appears to be exclusively targeted to Smith Detection Inc. as a sole source procurement, with no explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or small businesses mentioned. Previous procurement attempts have only yielded responses from Smith Detection, establishing the rationale for this sole source approach. While specific award value or budget ranges are not detailed in the documentation, the procurement covers statewide equipment maintenance across multiple SCDC institutions. Interested parties who disagree with the intended award may file a protest within five business days of notice posting or submit a formal protest within fifteen days, directed to the Chief Procurement Officer at the Materials Management Office. Protest submissions can be made via facsimile at 803-737-0639 or email at protest-mmo@mmo.state.sc.us. The notice has been posted in the South Carolina Business Opportunities for at least ten business days, in compliance with SC Code 11-35-1560, ensuring transparency in the procurement process.