Please note: This is a Sole Source Notification. All correspondence must be made through the Vendor Portal. Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) Division seeks Sole Source designation for the line of Apple iPads, miscellaneous hardware, and associated accessories. This Sole Source designation will serve to adopt generational upgrades or new models upon release, all using the Apple iOS operating system. iPad tablets provide for the best selection to build standardized processes, ease of usability, custom applications and, utilize App store products needed to service the mobility business needs of the County. Apple and its proprietary technology are the only manufacturer authorized to supply hardware, and the operating system as bundled under the Apple trademark. There is no alternative market substitution for product engineered to operate within the Apple framework. Apple is the only manufacturer capable of utilizing the IOS operating system with patents and trademarks on design and hardware specifications, heavily protecting their equipment and thereby, creates an established platform for strategic development of applications. The newly awarded National Association of Procurement Officials (NASPO) contract, #23003 utilizes a direct relationship with Apple for product sales as the Sole Source provider. Through use of their government portal, the County continues to receive products factory enrolled into the ETS centralized Mobile Device Management (MDM) program. Apple provides engraving services at no cost and a dedicated account representative to assist with solutions-based recommendations. By use of the portal, ETS can limit the access granted for quotes and orders to ensure proper standardization occurs and staff remain firmly entrenched in the review process prior to ordering.