Notice of Intent to Use Special Procurement

Marion County's Business Services Department is conducting a Special Procurement Notice for leasing a mobile office unit from William Scotsman Inc. (formerly Modern Building Systems) through a direct award process. The procurement involves continuing the lease of a 28' x 64' mobile office unit, originally initiated in October 2020 to provide office space for residents impacted by the Beachie Creek wildfire. The county is extending the lease period from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026, with a total estimated cost increase from $16,200 to $98,000. The procurement is being pursued as a special procurement due to limited competition in the local mobile/modular unit market, with the county citing significant cost savings and operational efficiency. The procurement notice was posted on August 7, 2024, with a response deadline of August 14, 2024, and requires authorization from the Chief Administrative Officer or designated representative.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The current vendor, William Scotsman Inc., is the sole proposed contractor for this lease extension. The county has determined that the special procurement meets standards of avoiding favoritism and maintaining competitive principles, primarily by demonstrating substantial cost savings compared to alternative solutions. Replacing the existing mobile unit would incur additional setup and removal costs estimated between $40,000 to $50,000, which further justifies the direct award approach. The current provider has offered a lower monthly lease rate to support the county's ongoing recovery efforts. The total procurement budget ranges from $16,200 to $98,000, covering the extended lease period from July 2023 to June 2026. Potential respondents have the opportunity to protest the procurement decision by the specified deadline.