Sole Source Provider Objection and Alternative Proposal Submission

The contract pertains to a sole source procurement initiated by Jackson State University for the acquisition of the MTS Criterion Series 40 Electromechanical Universal Test System, with an estimated cost of approximately $91,908. The procurement is justified by the equipment’s unique technical, performance, and compatibility requirements that only MTS Systems Corporation can meet, as verified through thorough market research indicating no alternative vendors or comparable products fulfill the university’s specific needs. The process allows any interested party to object to the sole source determination by submitting a detailed written notice to the Director of Procurement Services, Kimberly R. Harris, prior to the response deadline of September 10, 2025. If valid objections demonstrate the existence of alternative sources, the procurement will be withdrawn from sole source status and transitioned to a competitive bidding process. The contract emphasizes that only authorized MTS service engineers are permitted to service and maintain the equipment, underscoring the proprietary nature of the system and the exclusivity of support. No explicit federal or state regulations, FAR clauses, or standard contractual provisions are incorporated or referenced; instead, the procurement is governed by university and state policies for sole source acquisitions. The specifications specify the equipment’s capabilities for low-to-medium force material testing, with features designed to ensure accuracy, stability, and compatibility with existing laboratory infrastructure. The documentation does not include attachments, detailed inspection or acceptance procedures, packaging or shipping standards, or specific contract management details, focusing primarily on the justification, technical requirements, and objection process for this sole source purchase.