We are requesting approval for the purchase of a Pyxis Medstation System. The purchase includes a console, software, and a five-drawer auxiliary storage unit, which will be utilized at Brewster Technical Center in the Pharmacy Technician Program.

The Pyxis console is an automated medication dispensing machine used in almost every hospital in Tampa.  This equipment provides hands-on training and practice with machinery that pharmacy technicians are responsible for using and maintaining.  The operation of Pyxis machines is a major component of a pharmacy technician's daily job duties and responsibilities when employed in a hospital or long-term care facility.  Technicians handle the loading, unloading, counting, and restocking of medications.  They also handle the computer interface, the workings of the individual drawers and carousels, the analysis of daily reports that describe the use of the machine, medication levels, expiration dates, and the investigation of possible "drug diversion" or theft.

This equipment is designated as sole-source, as CareFusion is both the manufacturer and exclusive provider for Pyxis, and is exempt from requesting competitive solicitations by Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) 6A-1.012 Purchasing Policies (12) (d).  Brewster has been renting a Pyxis medication dispensing system and this purchase will provide continuity to the curriculum, while saving money over a five-year rental cost.