JF26-61 Part 8 - 246449

The State of Utah, Division of Purchasing and General Services, on behalf of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS), is issuing a Notice of Intent to Award a Contract Without Engaging in a Standard Procurement Process for contract number JF26-61 Part 8 (246449). This non-competitive procurement seeks to upgrade Hamilton Company robotic equipment and systems to Windows 11 operating system before the December 2026 end-of-life deadline for Windows 10. The scope of work includes applications support services focused on updating and combining STARlet methods with liquid class optimization, transferring two STARlet systems and one Autolys system to the VEN6 platform, and providing comprehensive method development and modification services. Key deliverables encompass the transfer of existing laboratory automation systems to the upgraded VEN6 platform with updated methodology, ensuring continuity of forensic services operations. The procurement is based on a request to increase the total contract amount from the original $401,000.00 to a proposed $426,000.00, representing a 6.23 percent increase, with the upgrade application cost specified at $2,500 per day for an expected duration of 10 days. The posting was made on April 1, 2026, with a due date of April 8, 2026, allowing for a public notice period during which other qualified vendors may submit documentation demonstrating competing sources or comparable alternatives before the Division of Purchasing makes its final determination.

Hamilton Company is the identified sole vendor for this specialized equipment upgrade, as the original solicitation (RR24-79) was conducted as a sole source (SS-MA) procurement for a Premium Plus Service Agreement. The procurement structure indicates that Hamilton Company is the only vendor determined capable of performing this specialized equipment upgrade and providing the required integration with existing BFS infrastructure and technology. The estimated contract value for this upgrade engagement is $25,000.00 for applications support engineering and services, with no freight costs included in this particular phase; however, the overall contract modification brings the total authorized amount to $426,000.00. A 12-month warranty is included as specified in Hamilton Company's standard Capital Purchases terms and conditions, with an estimated lead time of 12 months from the date of purchase order acceptance. Payment terms are governed by Hamilton Company's General Terms and Conditions of Sale for Capital Purchases, with shipping and handling costs to be determined separately and excluding lift gate, movers, or trash removal services. The Division of Purchasing will determine whether to proceed with the award based on the justification that either a single source exists for this procurement or that transitional costs are a significant consideration in selecting this particular vendor and upgrade methodology.