Reverse auction: PAP testing/serum chem

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is conducting a reverse auction procurement for laboratory testing services across Richland County, specifically seeking providers for Pap testing and serum chemistry analysis. The solicitation is divided into two distinct lots: Lot 1 covers Pap testing services with three line items including ThinPrep Pap tests (60,000 estimated annual units), ThinPrep Screen with HPV Reflex tests (11,100 units), and ThinPrep/HPV Combo tests (11,100 units). Lot 2 encompasses serum chemistry and hematology testing with seven line items including Complete Blood Count tests, Lymphocyte Subsets, various chemistry panels, and Hemoglobin A1C tests. Vendors must possess current CLIA certification, maintain quality control programs, and have a pathologist licensed in South Carolina for Lot 1. Critical requirements include providing HL7 2.3.1 electronic messaging capability with Cerner Millennium Electronic Health Record system, HIPAA-compliant portal access, and specimen collection kit provisions. Key deadlines include vendor agreement submission by January 18, 2024, at 2:30 PM ET, with the online reverse auction scheduled for February 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM ET, and award posting anticipated on February 13, 2024.

The solicitation does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract is structured for a one-year term with four potential one-year renewals, creating a possible maximum contract duration of five years from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2029. Vendors must use the SAP procurement system and submit bids through the designated online portal, with compatible browsers limited to Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Vendors are required to register with the State of South Carolina and obtain a vendor number. The procurement will utilize the EasiBuy platform, which charges a 0.98% transaction fee on the total final purchase price to awarded suppliers. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the solicitation indicates substantial testing volume across multiple line items, suggesting a significant potential contract value. Contractors will be responsible for comprehensive services including specimen collection, transportation, analysis, quality control, data transmission, training, and consultation with no additional fees permitted beyond the unit pricing established during the reverse auction.