Sealed Bid Solicitation for Procurement Services

The University of Southern Mississippi is soliciting sealed bids for the procurement and integration of two biological sensor nose cone systems (Bio-nose) designed for installation on its Hefring Oceanscout underwater gliders. The contract, with an estimated value between 500,000 and 1,000,000 dollars, is governed by Mississippi law and requires delivery to the university’s facility at Stennis Space Center. Bidders must submit their proposals by September 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with the bid marked clearly and delivered to the university’s procurement office. The scope includes designing, supplying, and integrating sensor systems capable of measuring chlorophyll-a, fDOM, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and temperature, interfacing with existing data systems for near real-time satellite transmission. The contract emphasizes comprehensive documentation, training, and a minimum one-year warranty, with the vendor responsible for all delivery arrangements and transportation costs. The technical specifications specify sensor performance criteria, including detection limits, accuracy, and response times, and require proof of successful system operation within the last two years. The bid process does not specify explicit evaluation criteria, weights, or a formal award basis but indicates that the university reserves the right to accept or reject any bid. The procurement emphasizes compliance with detailed technical requirements, proven performance, warranty support, and thorough documentation. No federal acquisition regulation clauses or specific business certifications are incorporated or required, and there are no explicit packaging, marking, or bar-coding standards specified. The process is a traditional sealed bid, with proposals to be submitted physically, and the university will conduct final inspection and acceptance at the delivery site.