Intent to Sole Source: Advia 2120i Hermatology Analyzer

The Montana Department of Livestock is pursuing a sole source contract procurement for an Advia 2120i Hematology Analyzer to be used by the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. The solicitation, identified as LIV-SolSour-2020-0005K, is specifically seeking to award a contract directly to Siemens for this specialized laboratory equipment. The procurement covers multiple commodity codes related to agricultural services, laboratory equipment, and veterinary supplies and services. The solicitation was posted on September 12, 2019, with a response deadline of September 26, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. local time. Potential vendors are invited to submit written comments through the eMACS procurement system regarding their ability to offer an equivalent product and services. The State Procurement Bureau emphasizes that this is not a traditional competitive proposal process, but rather an opportunity for vendors to demonstrate their capability to provide a comparable analyzer. Vendors with questions are directed to post inquiries on the Q&A board, with Jeni Nolin serving as the primary contact, reachable at jeni.nolin@mt.gov or +1 406-444-3313.

While the solicitation does not explicitly outline set-aside designations or specific vendor restrictions, it appears to be a targeted procurement for a highly specialized laboratory instrument. The intent to sole source the contract to Siemens suggests that the Advia 2120i Hematology Analyzer is considered unique or meets specific technical requirements that potentially limit competitive alternatives. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the available documentation. The procurement appears focused on maintaining existing diagnostic capabilities at the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, with an emphasis on securing a precise scientific instrument that meets the lab's specific operational needs. The sole source approach indicates that Siemens' product is likely considered the most suitable or only viable option for the department's diagnostic requirements. The solicitation provides an opportunity for other vendors to challenge this determination by demonstrating equivalent capabilities, though the likelihood of successfully doing so seems limited given the specific equipment specification.