USM SSP 26_026 Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase of Data Acquisition Labs Expansion. http://www.ms.gov/dfa/contract_bid_search/Bid RFx: 3150006851 Comments/objections will be received as required per Section 31-7-13 (C) of the Mississippi Code unt

The University of Southern Mississippi is proceeding with a sole source procurement to expand its data acquisition laboratory by acquiring a specialized suite of physics and optics equipment from PASCO Scientific, with a total estimated value of $38,119.90. The solicitation, identified by number 9280-26-R-RFIN-00028 and RFx 3150006851, is posted under NAICS code 518210 and is directed toward state and local education (SLED) procurement rules in Mississippi. The justification for sole source selection is predicated on the proprietary nature of PASCO’s integrated data acquisition systems, including compatibility with existing ScienceWorkshop and PASPORT interfaces, and the inability of alternative vendors such as Arbor Scientific, Ward’s Science, and Vernier to provide equivalent interoperability. The required equipment includes items such as a Diffraction Optics Kit, Photoelectric Effect System, High-Sensitivity Light Sensor, Rotary Motion Sensors, Universal Data Acquisition Interface, and various optics kits, all specified by detailed technical parameters including wavelength, focal length, measurement range, and component compatibility. The solicitation was posted on May 22, 2026, with responses due by June 8, 2026, and objections may be submitted under Section 31-7-13(C) of the Mississippi Code. All submissions must be sent either to the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration in Jackson or via email to [email hidden], and the procurement is administered by Jacob Cochran, Director of Procurement and Contracts at USM. No formal FAR clauses, evaluation factors, weights, or cost breakdowns are included, and while the contract type is designated as sole source, no payment office details, delivery terms, FOB conditions, or formal inspection criteria are specified. The offeror, PASCO Scientific, has provided a quote referencing QT137841 but has not submitted any representations, certifications, UEI, or CAGE codes, and no socioeconomic or small business status information is provided. The place of performance is Mississippi, and delivery is expected for use at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, though no formal delivery schedule or period of performance is outlined.