To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Report Title: Purchase Order with Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute on behalf of the Health Services Director, a purchase order with Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C. in an amount not to exceed $1,700,000 for the purchase of reagents and supplies, including small equipment and Triage Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) tests, for the clinical laboratories at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) and Contra Costa Health Centers for the period of May 1, 2026 through January 31, 2029.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this action will result in expenditures of up to $1,700,000 over a thirty-three month period and will be funded by Hospital Enterprise Fund I revenues.
BACKGROUND:
Fisher Healthcare is a division of Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C., focusing on the distribution of medical and laboratory products to healthcare providers and institutions. It offers a wide range of products and services designed for clinical and diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, and point-of-care testing environments. The Clinical Laboratory at CCRMC regularly utilizes Fisher Healthcare for its medical and laboratory supplies across all its departments and specialties. With its wide array of product offerings that suit many different laboratory needs, it continues to be one of the Clinical Laboratory’s primary suppliers.
Triage Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is a diagnostic test used to measure the levels of BNP in a patient's blood. BNP is a hormone produced by the heart in response to increased pressure, typically due to heart stress or heart failure. The test is commonly used in emergency settings to help diagnose heart failure and differentiate it from other conditions that may cause shortness of breath, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
On October 12, 2021, the Board of Supervisors approved item C.45 to execute purchase order #23666 with Fisher Scientific in an amount not to exceed $1,900,000 for the purchase of reagents supplies including small equipment and Triage BNP tests for the clinical laboratories at CCRMC and Contra Costa Health Centers for the period from May 1, 2021 through April 30,2026.
On February 25, 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved item C.97 to execute an amendment to purchase order #23666 with Fisher Scientific to increase the payment limit by $900,000 to an amount not to exceed $2,800,000 for the purchase of reagents supplies including small equipment and Triage BNP tests for the clinical laboratories at CCRMC and Contra Costa Health Centers with no change to the term ending April 30, 2026. Delays were encountered during the renewal process to confirm Fisher’s Vizient status and determine if these purchases would qualify for Vizient pricing.
Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C. is a supplier of the Vizient Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), which means that CCRMC, a Vizient member, is eligible to receive rebates and access lower pricing. This purchase is governed by the Vizient Supplier Agreement entered into between Vizient Supply, LLC and Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C. on February 1, 2024 (Agreement No. D400LA). Utilizing CCRMC's GPO membership for this purchase furthers its shared dedication to delivering high-quality, cost-effective healthcare solutions.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this action is not approved, CCRMC will not be able to proceed with the procurement of necessary medical supplies and equipment, which may impact patient care and the smooth operation of clinical laboratory services.