Intent to award solesource-southeastmilk

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is issuing an intent to award a sole source contract to Southeast Milk Inc. for specialized milking parlor support services and parts at the Wateree Dairy facility in Rembert, South Carolina. The procurement specifically covers diagnostic, repair, and maintenance services for a DeLaval milking parlor system, including proprietary software components such as AfiMilk, AfiSort, AfiWeigh, and AfiId. Vendors responding to this opportunity must be authorized distributors capable of providing all specified products and services, with the response period concluding on July 13, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. Sealed offers could be submitted to the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch either physically at 4420 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210, or electronically via purchasing@doc.sc.gov. Offerors are required to maintain their proposal validity for a minimum of thirty calendar days after the opening date and must submit signed documentation proving their authorization to perform all required services.

This sole source procurement is restricted to authorized distributors within the specified southeastern territory, with Southeast Milk Inc. identified as the exclusive authorized distributor. The contract involves proprietary and patented equipment designs from DeLaval, which limits potential respondents to those with specific territorial distribution rights. No specific budget range or award value was explicitly stated in the documentation. Potential vendors must demonstrate comprehensive capabilities to handle the specialized milking system's maintenance, including consumable maintenance items and equipment failure parts. The procurement process includes provisions for potential protests, which must be submitted in writing to the Chief Procurement Officer within fifteen days of the notice posting date, with an initial notice of intent to protest required within five business days. The notice was posted in the South Carolina Business Opportunities (SCBO) for at least ten business days, in compliance with SC Code 11-35-1560. The contract will become effective after the opening date if no alternative responses are received.