ION Chef/ION GeneStudio S5 Prime Systems

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is seeking bids for molecular epidemiology laboratory equipment through solicitation #5400023249, specifically procuring one ION Chef System and one ION GeneStudio S5 Prime System for the Public Health Laboratory located in Columbia, South Carolina. The equipment is intended to support whole genome and next-generation sequencing capabilities for disease outbreak response and participation in national surveillance networks including PulseNet, NARMS, and GenomeTrackr. Key deliverables include the complete systems with installation kits, service packages, and SmartStart training, with installation, calibration, and equipment demonstration required within 60 days after delivery. Vendors must submit offers by May 19, 2022, at 2:30 PM ET, with a deadline for questions set at May 2, 2022, at 5:00 PM ET. Award notification will be posted on May 23, 2022, with equipment to be delivered to the DHEC Public Health Laboratory at 8231 Parklane Road within thirty days of purchase order receipt. The procurement will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with all-inclusive pricing covering equipment, installation, familiarization services, and shipping charges.

Vendors must possess a South Carolina state vendor number and be registered in the SCEIS system for online bidding submission. New, manufacturer equipment is required, and non-governmental entities will have applicable sales or use taxes added during bid evaluation. Offerors must certify compliance with multiple state requirements, including the Certificate of Independent Price Determination, debarment and responsibility certifications, drug-free workplace requirements, and ethics certifications. Insurance requirements include $1,000,000 commercial general liability coverage, auto liability coverage, and worker's compensation as mandated by South Carolina. Vendors must also comply with DHEC's confidentiality policies regarding protected health information, tobacco-free campus policies, and fraud, waste, and abuse prevention and reporting obligations. While no specific set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise requirements are mentioned, the solicitation emphasizes compliance with state-specific regulations and maintains strict qualification standards for potential contractors.