Pouch filling machine - new

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) issued a solicitation for the procurement of a new pouch filling machine for the Wateree Dairy Farm located in Rembert, South Carolina. The procurement sought a comprehensive machine system capable of producing 100 pouches per minute with a volume range of 200-300ml and 1.5% accuracy. Specific equipment requirements included full stainless steel 304/316 construction, 6 UV light candles, servo motor technology, 3.85 kW power requirement, and dimensions of 67"L x 43"W x 116.2"H. The procurement included additional components such as two counter conveyors, a 6.5 gallons-per-minute centrifugal pump, and required on-site technical services. The solicitation (54000020948) was posted on February 17, 2021, with a bid opening scheduled for March 2, 2021, at 10:00 AM and an award notification date of March 8, 2021. Vendor requirements included passing background checks, drug screenings, and providing manufacturer specifications and warranty documentation. The contract required installation and testing within 90 days of purchase order receipt, with potential penalties for late delivery ranging from 5% to 20%.

The solicitation did not apply state or resident vendor preferences due to the single item price exceeding $50,000. There were no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract was ultimately awarded to The Lemus Corporation dba Plastic Bags Industry, located in Chula Vista, California, for a total evaluated and awarded amount of $64,939.00. The award included a one-year limited warranty covering travel, parts, and labor, with non-warranty service calls priced at $650 or less per visit during the first year and $1,200 or less in subsequent years. Vendor responsibilities included a pre-installation meeting, machine testing, product commissioning, performance demonstration, and detailed preventative maintenance guidelines. SCDC was responsible for providing electrical, water, and air connections, as well as milk line installation. The vendor was required to ensure compliance with electrical code regulations and complete all equipment testing to acceptable tolerances. Vendor employees were subject to comprehensive background checks, including SLED and FBI screenings, to enter SCDC facilities.