INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE - INSIGHT PARTNERS

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) has issued a sole source procurement opportunity (Solicitation #5400021832) for Marley Cooling Equipment, specifically targeting parts, engineering, and service for institutional chiller and cooling system repairs and upgrades across SCDC facilities. The procurement is specifically intended to be awarded to Insight Partners, who are identified as an authorized Marley dealer in South Carolina and North Carolina. Key procurement details include a response deadline of August 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., with sealed offers to be submitted to the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch either physically at 4420 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210, or via email to purchasing@doc.sc.gov. Vendors interested in responding must be authorized Marley dealers and must submit documentation demonstrating their ability to perform all required services and supply all necessary products. The procurement officer for this opportunity is Brittany Driggers, who can be contacted at 803-896-8533 or Driggers.brittany@doc.state.sc.us. Offerors are required to hold their proposals open for a minimum of thirty calendar days after the opening date.

Regarding potential restrictions, this procurement appears to be limited to authorized Marley dealers operating in South Carolina and North Carolina, effectively narrowing the potential vendor pool. The notice will be posted in the South Carolina Business Opportunities (SCBO) for at least ten business days as mandated by state law. Vendors who disagree with the intended sole source award have specific protest mechanisms, including submitting a notice of intent to protest within five business days of the notice posting and filing a formal protest within fifteen days, which must be sent to the Chief Procurement Officer at the Materials Management Office. No specific budget range or award value was explicitly detailed in the documentation. The procurement becomes effective after the opening date and time if no alternative responses are received, suggesting Insight Partners is the preferred and likely sole vendor for this cooling equipment and service contract.