To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Ori Tzvieli, Interim Health Services Director
Report Title: Purchase Order with Alcon Vision, LLC
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute on behalf of the Interim Health Services Director, 1) a purchase order with Alcon Vision, LLC in an amount not to exceed $50,211 and 2) a Sales Order Agreement for the purchase of an Argos Biometer for the Pittsburg Health Center as part of the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC).
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this action will result in a one-time expenditure of up to $50,211 and will be funded by Hospital Enterprise Fund I revenues.
BACKGROUND:
Alcon Vision, LLC is a subsidiary of Alcon Inc., a global leader in eye care. The company develops, manufactures, and markets surgical equipment, vision care products, and contact lenses. It operates in two main divisions. The Surgical Division provides advanced technologies for cataract, retinal, and refractive surgeries. They also offers intraocular lenses (IOLs) and surgical equipment. The Vision Care Division supplies contact lenses, lens care solutions, and other vision-related products.
The Argos Biometer is an advanced ophthalmic device used for preoperative planning in cataract surgeries. It provides precise biometric measurements of the eye, which are critical for selecting the appropriate IOL and ensuring optimal surgical outcomes. This device utilizes Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) technology to deliver highly accurate measurements, even in patients with dense cataracts. It measures the axial length of the eye, corneal curvature (keratometry), lens thickness, and anterior chamber depth, all of which are essential for accurate surgical planning. Also, the Argos Biometer is designed for use in retinal eye examinations, providing precise measurements to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
The Sales Order Agreement obligates the County to indemnify and hold harmless Alcon Vision, LLC from any liability that results from non-standard methods of installation or unauthorized uses of the equipment. The vendor’s liability under the agreement is limited to (a) repair or replacement of any goods or (b) refund of the price paid for such goods. The agreement also provides that neither party will be liable for lost profits, injury to goodwill, or any other special, incidental or consequential damages. Under the agreement, the County may also be responsible for paying liquidated damages (15% of the purchase price of the equipment) if the county terminates the agreement before the equipment is delivered. In the event that the vendor engages an attorney to enforce any of its rights or remedies and/or collect any amounts due under the agreement, the County will be liable for such enforcement and collection costs, including but not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs.
Approval of this request will allow CCRMC to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and ensure the availability of essential resources for optimal healthcare delivery. This purchase will be made via sole source justification.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this action is not approved, CCRMC will not be able to acquire the necessary resources or equipment, potentially compromising patient care and operational efficiency.