INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE-INVERIS

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) has issued an Intent to Sole Source a contract for Smart Weapons training systems from InVeris Training Solutions. The procurement specifically focuses on hardware, software, warranties, extended warranties, maintenance, repair, and upgrades for the existing FATS (FireArms Training Simulation) weapons training system currently deployed at the SCDC Training Academy. This sole source contract will have an initial term of one year, running from June 5, 2023 to June 4, 2024, with options for four additional automatically renewable one-year terms, potentially extending the total contract duration to five years through June 4, 2028. Vendors responding to this opportunity must be authorized to perform and supply all products and services for the existing Meggitt FATS equipment at SCDC. Responses to this sole source award must be submitted by June 5, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., either to the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch at 4530 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210, or via email to bidsubmissions@doc.sc.gov. The original FATS system was procured through solicitation 5400010857 awarded to Meggitt Training Systems on March 29, 2016, which later changed its name to InVeris Training Solutions on September 29, 2020.

The procurement notice was posted in the South Carolina Business Opportunities (SCBO) for the required 5-10 business days, ensuring transparency in the sole source procurement process. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, the procurement follows standard state procurement protocols. The incumbent vendor, Meggitt Training Systems (now InVeris Training Solutions), was the only respondent to the original 2016 solicitation and remains the primary vendor for this training system. Existing infrastructure includes the current FATS weapons training system, which will require seamless integration with any new components or upgrades. Vendors must demonstrate full compatibility and authorization to service the existing equipment. Protests related to this procurement must be submitted in writing to the Chief Procurement Officer at the Materials Management Office, with notices of intent to protest due within five business days of posting and formal protests due within fifteen days of posting. Though no specific award value or budget range is explicitly stated in the document, the comprehensive nature of the procurement suggests a significant investment in training technology and support.