Please note: This is a Sole Source Notification. InductiveHealth is the only feasible source from which to acquire the ESSENSE Software and Services since InductiveHealth is the only authorized provider for the ESSENSE Software and Services. The ESSENCE system is a disease surveillance system developed by Johns Hopkins and is the primary system used by public health entities. ESSENSE Software was implemented by the state in 2006 and has been maintained by DHSS and ITSD staff. The ESSENSE Software was an important surveillance tool for situational awareness and early detection during the COVID-19 pandemic, and would be critical if another similar situation developed, as well as collecting data for conditions such as drug overdoses. The National Syndromic Surveillance (NSSP) program from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) interfaces directly with the state’s ESSENCE Software and could be affected if there is a data reporting issue within the Missouri ESSENCE system. The CDC reviews the quality of the data reported and have flagged deficiencies, such as under-reporting of certain conditions, in Missouri’s submissions in the past, but there were no consequences. Now, with increasing standards for data quality, DHSS is concerned that grant money will begin to be withheld if they do not bring their standards up to CDC-approved levels. DHSS and ITSD are no longer able to support the system at the level required. Johns Hopkins has transitioned their support for state and local operational and maintenance responsibilities for ESSENCE software to InductiveHealth. It is critical that DHSS receive the services and update to bring the system up to required standards. As the required software and support services are available only from InductiveHealth, the requirements for such services represent a proprietary requirement that meets the criteria of a single feasible source under RSMo 34.044 and the State will be pursuing the acquisition of the support services as a Single Feasible Source.
