Intent to sole source- energy management

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN) is pursuing a sole source procurement for Energy Management System (EMS) maintenance and repair services from Schneider Electric Buildings Americas, Inc. The procurement covers statewide preventative maintenance and technical services for existing EMS systems and front-side interface equipment located at all Regional Centers throughout South Carolina. Specific services include software updates, system monitoring for irregularities, sensor cleaning and servicing, and repair services through an agreed-upon service rate. The solicitation was issued on February 11, 2022, with offers required to be submitted online at http://www.procurement.sc.gov by February 22, 2022, at 3:00 PM. Procurement contact Candis Golston can be reached at 803-898-9666 or candis.golston@ddsn.sc.gov. The sole source justification is based on the proprietary nature of the existing Schneider Energy Management Direct Digital Control (DDC) System Equipment and Signal Graphic Software, for which Schneider Electric is the exclusive authorized service provider.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though a Drug-Free Workplace certification will be required if the contract value exceeds $50,000. Market research confirmed Schneider Electric as the only company authorized to meet the service requirements for the designated territory. A December 2021 cost-benefit analysis determined that upgrading to non-proprietary equipment would cost approximately $2 million, rendering equipment conversion financially impractical at this time. Prospective bidders and contractors retain protest rights, with intent to protest notifications due within ten business days of the award posting and formal protests due within fifteen business days. Protests must be submitted in writing to the Chief Procurement Officer, Materials Management Office, either by email to protest-mmo@mmo.state.sc.us or by mail to 1201 Main Street, Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201. While specific contract value is not detailed, the cost-benefit analysis suggests significant investment in the existing EMS infrastructure.