SSA - Abbott hospital-grade glucometers, software, test str

Idaho Department of Administration, Division of Purchasing is publishing notice of intent to approve a sole-source authorization for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to purchase Abbott hospital-grade glucometers, software, test strips, and HL7 EMR interface for State Hospital South, with a challenge-filing deadline of five business days after October 21, 2026 (the IPRO notice closing date).

The sole-source justification rests on Abbott being the only supplier able to provide hospital-grade glucometers, test strips, and software meeting federal regulatory specifications for State Hospital South's approved glucose testing method while interfacing with the existing 15-year-integrated EMR system. State Hospital South serves 146 patients across a nursing home (36 residents) and a Patient Treatment Facility (110 beds), with blood glucose monitoring as an essential daily care component. The current Abbott system has transmitted glucose results automatically to patient records since 2014. Transition to an alternative vendor within the existing 30-day notice period would require replacement of glucometers, procurement of new software, development of EMR interfaces, implementation of new workflows, and retraining and validation of employee competencies — operationally infeasible under patient safety and continuity constraints. Although McKesson maintains an existing state contract that includes Abbott test strips, McKesson does not supply the glucometers, software, or EMR interface components and has agreed to allow State Hospital South to continue purchasing test strips directly from Abbott.

The anticipated total cost is $23,000 over a one-year contract term. The requestor is Steve Barclay, DHW contact 208-334-5735. Any interested vendor may file a challenge by giving timely notice to purchasing@adm.idaho.gov in accordance with Idaho Code section 67-9232(4).