Posting Language
Title
Authorize execution of a contract for two gas chromatographs with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Inc. in an amount not to exceed $114,683.
[Note: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9D (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established].
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Forensic Science Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget of the Forensic Science Department.
Purchasing Language:
The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 9000 EAB1000 for these goods. The solicitation was published on May 8, 2023, and closed on June 6, 2023. The recommended contractor submitted the only responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bid received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Documents <https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=138609>.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov <mailto:FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov> or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract is for the purchase of two gas chromatograph-flame ionization detector (GC-FIDs) instruments for the Forensic Science Department, Chemistry Unit. The two gas chromatographs will replace units that have met or exceeded the instrument lifecycle. The two older instruments will be replaced and decommissioned.
The GC-FIDs are the main instruments used by the laboratory for the identification of narcotic and toxic substances and are globally accepted as a means to conclusively identify narcotic substances. The instruments are used daily to quantify alcohol in blood samples submitted to the lab as part of intoxication-related investigations such as driving while intoxicated, intoxication assault, drug-assisted sexual assault, intoxication manslaughter, among others. A vast majority of literature published regarding narcotic analysis includes or is based on data from this instrument. Each chemist has been trained and competency tested on the use of this instrument, allowing them to testify as an expert witness in court.
If the City is unable to secure a contract, the Toxicology section will continue to use the older models, which will increase the risk of malfunction or downtime due to maintenance and repair.