To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Report Title: Amendment to Purchase Order with Alcor Scientific, Inc.
☒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, an amendment to purchase order #26779 with Alcor Scientific, Inc. to increase the payment limit by $7,120 to a new amount not to exceed $11,920 and their Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Extended Warranty Agreement to cover maintenance services for the 112-00101A iSED Analyzer serial number 02278 in the laboratory department at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC), and extend the term through December 7, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this action will result in additional expenditures of up to $7,120 over a two-year period and will be funded by the Hospital Enterprise Fund I revenues.
BACKGROUND:
Alcor Scientific LLC is a healthcare technology company that designs and manufactures diagnostic instruments and medical devices, primarily for clinical laboratories and research settings.
The Alcor Scientific 112 00101 iSED ESR Analyzer is a fully automated clinical laboratory instrument that measures the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) using advanced photometric technology, delivering results in about 20 seconds directly from standard Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) blood tubes with minimal hands-on time, supporting random access and continuous sample feed of up to ~180 tests per hour, integrating with Laboratory Information Systems, and designed to improve speed, efficiency, and workflow while reducing manual steps and potential errors compared to traditional Westergren ESR methods.
Under the Alcor Scientific LLC (Alcor) extended warranty, CCRMC is responsible for reimbursing Alcor Scientific, Inc. for all costs associated with the collection or enforcement of amounts owed, including attorneys’ fees and court costs; any cancellation, modification, suspension, or delay in shipment must fully indemnify Alcor for all resulting losses, including direct costs and reasonable profit; and Alcor shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages, including loss of income or profits, arising from this agreement or the use or delivery of the products.
Delays were encountered due to negotiations with the vendor. Materials Management will ensure that agreements and renewals are reviewed early for proper routing and compliance, as well as allowing adequate time for all necessary parties to review. Departments will be instructed to submit renewals 90 to 120 days in advance to prevent delays and ensure timely processing.
Approval of this action will ensure continued operational reliability and manufacturer-supported service for critical laboratory equipment at CCRMC. The warranty provides coverage necessary to minimize downtime, support timely diagnostics, and maintain continuity of patient care.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this action is not approved, CCRMC may experience service interruptions, increased equipment downtime, and potential delays in diagnostic testing that could negatively impact patient care.