Intent to award sole source- whooster

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is pursuing a sole source procurement for Comprehensive Data Solutions for Law Enforcement from Whooster, specifically targeting investigative software capabilities. The solicitation, issued on August 20, 2020, seeks a software platform that enables law enforcement to identify and locate persons, detect patterns, and create real-time intelligence by filtering billions of records. Key deliverables include web-based solutions, batch processing capabilities for up to 100,000 records, text messaging delivery to mobile devices, direct integration into existing software systems, and access to proprietary datasets such as cell detail records, human trafficking investigation tools, and forensic analysis products. The procurement officer, Myrtle DeWerdt, requires sealed offers to be submitted to the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch by September 14, 2020, 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 with "SOLE SOURCE" in the subject line. Offerors must acknowledge all amendments, sign the cover page, and agree to hold their offer open for a minimum of thirty calendar days after the opening date.

The solicitation appears to be a non-restricted procurement without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors who believe they can provide equivalent capabilities to Whooster must submit documentation demonstrating their authorization and ability to perform all required services. The platform will need to integrate with existing law enforcement software systems, suggesting potential technical compatibility requirements. While no specific award value is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the data solutions indicates a potentially significant contract. Vendors interested in challenging the sole source designation may submit written protests to the Chief Procurement Officer at the Materials Management Office within five business days of the notice posting, with formal protests due within fifteen days. The notice will be posted on the South Carolina Business Opportunities (SCBO) website for at least ten business days, in compliance with South Carolina Code Section 11-35-1560, providing transparency and opportunity for potential alternative vendors to present their capabilities.