Clemson University intends to sole source the purchase of a Spectro Arcos SOP130 Radially Viewed Spectrometer with Spectro Analytical Instruments Inc.  This purchase shall be sole sourced because it is believed that the Spectro Analytical Instruments SOP130 is the only ICP/OES manufacturer and equipment in this sector that is capable of measuring the low wavelengths necessary to analyze halogens, in our case chlorine (at 134.72 nm).   Not having these specifications in the equipment would result in the customer needing to develop alternative methods for measuring choloring in samples.   Further, this equipment is the only instrument with a built in compressor that cools the plasma generator and regulates the temperature in the spectrometer and detector.  This capability eliminates the need for an external recirculating chiller, which cannot be used in the application location.  It is also believed that this is the only equipment on the market that can transfer methods between the soils and fertilizer lab instruments that are also Spectro machines.  The purchase shall include a spray chamber, autosampler, software, inline fan, installation and training. The company is also offering a discount by accepting a trade for the 2005 Arcos SOP130 model instrument of 20%. The total price of this contract is $93,924.00.

Bidder’s right to protest as listed in Section 11-35-4210 in the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code applies to this announcement of an emergency procurement.
Protest to be filed with:
Chief Procurement Officer
Materials Management Office
1201 Main Street, Suite 600
Columbia, SC 29201
Facsimile: 803-737-0639
E-mail: protest-mmo@mmo.sc.gov