APPROVE spending authority in the amount not to exceed $601,705.82 for Purchase of Maintenance, Repair, and other related services for COVID-19 Scientific Testing and detecting other viruses for the Houston Health Department, awarded to LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION - Laboratory Services Fund

Sole Source (P20-WS994177424) - Approve spending authority in the amount not to exceed $601,705.82 to Life Technologies Corporation for the purchase of maintenance, repair, and other related services for Covid-19 scientific testing and detecting other viruses using the 7500 Real-Time PCR System for the Houston Health Department.

Specific Explanation:

The Director of the Houston Health Department and the Chief Procurement Officer recommend that City Council approve spending authority in the amount not to exceed $601,705.82 to purchase the maintenance and repair services of the model 7500 Real-Time PCR System.  It is further requested that authorization be given to issue purchase orders as needed for a duration through November 30, 2028, to Life Technologies Corporation. 

The scope of service requires the vendor to provide certification and recertification, repair and preventative maintenance services on the ABI 7500 FAST Real-Time PCR Instruments and ABI 7500 FAST Dx Real-Time PCR Instruments for the Houston Health Department located at, 2252 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030. These instruments are used for COVID-19 scientific testing and detecting other viruses.

The Life Technologies Corporation is the sole authorized services provider for the maintenance and repair of the ABI 7500 FAST Real-Time PCR Instruments and ABI 7500 FAST Dx Real-Time PCR Instruments.

This recommendation is made pursuant to subsection 252.022(a)(7) of the Texas Local Government Code, which provides that "a procurement of items that are available from only one source..." is exempt from the competitive requirements for purchases.

MWBE Participation:

Zero-percentage goal document approved by the Office of Business Opportunity

Hire Houston First:

This procurement is exempt from the City’s Hire Houston First Ordinance. Bids/proposals were not solicited because the department is utilizing a Sole Source to purchase this services.

Fiscal Note:

Funding for this item is included in the FY24 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.