Clemson University's Department of Biological Sciences & Life Sciences intends to sole source an Covaris Focused Ultrasonicator, Installation, Training and related consumables.  The purchase shall include the focused ultrasonicator, installation, training, the Waveguide 4 & 8 place rack, tube strips, microtube strips and shipping.  This purchase is to be sole sourced because it is believed that the Covaris ME220 Focused-Ultrasonicator can only be purchased directly from the manufacturer, Covaris, and it has unique features and proprietary technologies. This piece of equipment can sonicate/fragment nucleic acids, small molecules, and peptides and can be used for the purpose of chromatin sheering. The Ultrasonicator uses proprietary technology which allows the user to have precise control over the shearing forces that generate the DNA fragments. This technology allows for the researchers to be able to select the precise size of DNA fragment that they need for their experiment. No other manufacturer offers this technology. It does not have a probe that goes in the sample, which helps keep the sample cold, which helps further stabilize DNA and RNA. The lack of a probe also decreases the chance of contamination. For these reasons, this is a sole source procurement. The total price of all services is $54,935.00. 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 intent to sole source.
Protests 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