10838-20241127135504 JSU.pdf

Jackson State University Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase 25-06

VMP-3e Advanced Potentiostat

RFX 3150005997

Jackson State University anticipates purchasing the item listed below as a sole source purchase. Anyone objecting to this purchase shall follow the procedures outlined below.

Product Overview:

The Bio-Logic VMP-3e is a modular design multichannel (up to sixteen channels in a single chassis) potentiostat which is the electronic hardware required to control a three-electrode cell and run most electroanalytical experiments. It comprises an electric circuit which controls the potential across the cell by sensing changes in its resistance. The VMP-3e can be customized to address all applications in the area of classical electrochemistry, with complete flexibility in configuring up to sixteen independent channels.

Explanation of need to be fulfilled by this item, how it is unique from all other options, and why it is the only one that can meet the specific needs of the department:

This purchase will allow JSU to acquire a sixteen-channel Biologic VMP-3e Potentiostat instrument, pivotal for conducting advanced research in cleaner energy and training undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students. Research using the VMP-3e Potentiostat will inform an integrated education program for underserved minority students: (1) involvement of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students at Jackson State University in cutting-edge research; (2) creation of summer research opportunities for undergraduates from underserved Mississippi institutions; (3) provision of summer internships for high school students in Jackson and neighboring districts, (4) introduction of electrochemistry experiments in the undergraduate Analytical Chemistry Lab Course, (5) expanding horizons to providing opportunities for students and faculties from nearby institutions, including Holmes Community College and HBCUs such as Hinds Community College, Tougaloo College, Alcorn State University, and Mississippi Delta Valley State University.

Name of company selling the item and why that source is the only possible source that can provide:

Bio-Logic USA, 9050 Executive Park Drive, Suite 110C, Knoxville TN 37923. Bio- Logic USA is the exclusive distributor of Bio-Logic Science Instrumentation EC-Lab electrochemical instrumentation and BT-Lab battery cyclers and testers throughout the United States. The EC-Lab family of products includes modular single-channel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_circuit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_resistance and multi-channel potentiostats/galvanostats, and easy to use software as well as a complete line of electrochemical accessories, including cells, electrodes, and ancillary instruments.

Estimated cost of item and explanation of why the amount to be expended is considered reasonable:

The estimated cost is $115,006.00 including a one-year extended warranty This cost is reasonable as compared to the benefit it will provide to JSU’s Communicate Disorders program.

Explanation of the efforts taken by the department to determine that this is the only source and efforts used to obtain the best possible price:

1. With departmental need at front of mind, faculty researched the marketplace and found that this item is the only one that will adequately meet the need for research and curriculum purposes and determined that Bio-Logic USA is the only manufacturer of this product.

2. Office of Purchasing and Travel searched DFA for item and vendor to no avail. Also searched web for alternate vendors to no avail as all listings of the product linked to Bio-Logic USA as the sole purveyor of the item.

Any person or entity that objects and proposes that the commodity listed is not sole source and can be provided by another person or entity shall submit a written notice to:

Kimberly R. Harris, CMPA, MHSA Director of Procurement Services kimberly.r.harris@jsums.edu Subject Line must read “Sole Source Objection”

The notice shall contain a detailed explanation of why the commodity is not a sole source procurement. Appropriate documentation shall also be submitted if applicable.

If after a review of the submitted notice and documents, JSU determines that the commodity in the proposed sole source request can be provided by another person or entity, then JSU will withdraw the sole source request publication from the procurement portal website and submit the procurement of the commodity to an advertised competitive bid or selection process.

mailto:kimberly.r.harris@jsums.edu