Purchase of Wearable and Ingestible Sensors for NIOSH-Funded Research Study

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is seeking to procure wearable and ingestible sensors as part of a research initiative funded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The procurement aims to support a study focused on glabrous skin temperature modulation to mitigate heat stress, utilizing specialized equipment including ingestible pill sensors and wearable devices such as the Lifemonitor from Equivital. The contract is valued between $500,000 and $1,500,000, reflecting the scope and importance of the research project. The solicitation was posted on September 9, 2025, with a response deadline of October 3, 2025, and the project will be conducted within Mississippi. A key aspect of this procurement involves a notice of intent to certify a sole source award to Equivital for the ingestible sensors and related accessories, citing their exclusive manufacturing rights and absence of alternative US vendors. The estimated purchase cost for these items is approximately $13,633. Interested parties have the opportunity to object to the sole source designation by submitting relevant documentation by October 3, 2025. UMMC will review any objections before finalizing the award, which is anticipated to be announced no earlier than October 17, 2025. The contract emphasizes the importance of these sensors for advancing occupational health research and highlights the procedural steps for stakeholders to participate or raise concerns regarding the sole source certification.