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Sole Source Approval - LODOX eXero-dr Full Body Forensic X-ray System (LODOX NA, LLC)
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Linda Whitaker, Facilities and Fleet Management, Assistant Director of Design and Construction 704.420.2626
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the sole source exception and authorize the purchase of one LODOX eXero-dr full body forensic X-ray system from LODOX NA, LLC in the amount of $538,000.00, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143-129(e)(6) and Section 3.8 of the Union County Procurement Policy.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND:
The South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center requires a full body forensic x-ray system to quickly scan decedents before autopsy. Imaging assists with locating and documenting projectiles and other foreign bodies, identifying skeletal trauma, and improving staff safety by reducing the need to repeatedly move and reposition decedents to capture multiple separate images. The system will be used daily in morgue operations to document important information for death investigations.
The LODOX eXero-dr system is designed for rapid full body forensic imaging in a single pass. The single-pass workflow is important in a forensic setting because it provides a consistent whole-body image set quickly and without requiring multiple views or manual stitching of images.
LODOX NA, LLC has provided documentation confirming that it is the only source for the eXero-dr machines and software, associated parts, and technical support in North America. The department's justification also states that Lodox North America is the only authorized sales entity for North Carolina and that there are no other authorized dealers or resellers for this equipment in North Carolina.
The facility design includes dedicated space sized for the LODOX eXero-dr system's dimensions and workflow. A separate control room is not part of the construction scope, so safe operation will be achieved through the purchase and use of a mobile leaded barrier during imaging.
The current LODOX quote, dated April 17, 2026, is $538,000. and includes the eXero-dr system, mobile leaded barrier, shipping/freight to destination, installation, one-year factory warranty, and applications training. The quote states that the system price is delivered and installed, that the quote is valid through December 31, 2026, and that estimated delivery is approximately 180 days from date of order.
NCDHHS has confirmed that it does not have any pre-approval requirements in place for purchases made by Union County for the South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center. NCDHHS advised that Union County should follow its own procurement rules and maintain the supporting documentation for the County's annual statewide single audit or any future audit by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor. NCDHHS also advised that, after the County accepts delivery of the machine and pays the invoice, the County may submit a payment request to NCDHHS for reimbursement.
Because the required system is available only from LODOX NA, LLC and the purchase is supported by the department's operational justification, vendor sole source documentation, vendor quote, and NCDHHS reimbursement guidance, the purchase qualifies for the sole source exception provided by N.C.G.S. § 143-129(e)(6) and Section 3.8 of the Union County Procurement Policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the LODOX eXero-dr Full Body Forensic X-ray System included in this request is $538,000. Sufficient funds are available in Capital Account 40080222 South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center, to cover this expense.