Procurement of MTS Criterion Series 40 Electromechanical Universal Test System for Monotonic Material Testing

The procurement involves a sole source purchase of the MTS Criterion Series 40 Electromechanical Universal Test System by Jackson State University, with an estimated value between $80,000 and $120,000. The system is designed to perform low- to medium-force monotonic testing on a variety of materials, including plastics, composites, and alloys, supporting tension, compression, and flexure tests. The vendor, MTS Systems Corporation, provides a detailed quotation with a price of approximately $91,908 for the main system, which includes hardware, software, and installation services, with optional fixtures and accessories listed separately. Delivery is scheduled approximately 120 days after order receipt, with final site delivery around 135 days, under CPT destination terms. The contract emphasizes the proprietary nature of the vendor’s terms, with installation, training, and calibration services declined by the customer, placing responsibility for site preparation, safety, and disposal of packaging on the customer. The system’s installation and acceptance are contingent upon demonstration of functional performance, with final acceptance occurring after installation verification, either by MTS personnel or upon delivery if installation is not performed by them. The procurement process is governed by a sole source justification, requiring detailed documentation to justify why only the vendor can meet the needs, along with efforts to ensure price reasonableness. The agency must submit a Sole Source Determination form, including a letter from the agency head, the vendor’s quote, and supporting documentation. If objections arise and are unresolved, a competitive bid process must be initiated. Contract clauses are primarily proprietary to MTS, covering warranty (12 months from shipment or acceptance), commissioning, customer responsibilities, export compliance, and termination conditions. The contract does not specify FAR clauses or standard government procurement terms, relying instead on state procurement regulations and vendor terms. Administrative details include a payment plan of 40% on order and 60% on shipment, with net 30 payment terms, and designated contacts for order submission and project oversight. Overall, the contract emphasizes technical performance, proprietary terms, and strict customer responsibilities, with minimal mention of federal-specific clauses or certifications beyond standard product compliance.