Sun-Herald

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received in the Shipping and Receiving Office (Room 1-148) of the Oceanography Building on Gulf Coast Research Laboratory’s Halstead Campus at 703 E.

Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564, until September 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

for the purchase of the following:

Bid# 27_10 Scientific and Laboratory Equipment. RFX: 3160008250

Detailed specifications and electronic bid submission instructions may be secured from the above office upon request or our website https://www.usm.edu/procurement-contract-services/current-bids-and-sole-source-notices.php

Right is hereby reserved to reject any or all bids. Incomplete bids will be considered nonresponsive.

Millissa Weaver

Procurement Coordinator

The University of Southern Mississippi

Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

(228) 818-8001

Publish 2 times and charge to The University of Southern Mississippi:

9/6/2026 9/13/2026

REQUEST FOR BIDS/PROPOSALS COVERSHEET

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Procurement and Contract Services

703 E. Beach Dr. Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Date:

Bid No. 27_10

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI is considering the purchase of the following item(s). We ask that you submit your bid and retain one copy for your files. Right is reserved to accept or reject any part of your bid. Your quotation will be given consideration if received on or before:

September 25, 2026 2:00 p.m. CDT TERMS - Bidder should state terms of sale. Our terms are 2% ten days, net 45 days.

These terms will apply per Mississippi law.

AWARDING CONTRACT - Cash terms will not be used as a basis for awarding contracts; however, the University will accept cash discounts when earned. Buyer: Millissa Weaver

NOTE: If you cannot quote on the exact material shown, please indicate any exception giving brand name and complete specifications of any alternate. If additional space is required, use a separate sheet or letter of transmittal.

ITEM QUANTITY DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL NET PRICE

PROPOSAL MUST BE RETURNED TO THE UNIVERSITY IN

ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS. RFX NUMBER

AND DATE OF BID OPENING MUST BE SHOWN ON THE

OUTSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE IF USING THAT METHOD.

We quote you as above-F.O.B. The University of Southern Mississippi. Shipment can be made in days from receipt of order. DATE ______________ TERMS ____________________________________

Return quotation to Procurement Services at above address.

AA/EOE/ADAI Signature Required__________________________________________

THIS IS NOT

AN ORDER

Name: ____________________________________

Company: _________________________________

Address: __________________________________

City/State/Zip:______________________________

Scientific and Laboratory Equipment Bid# 27_10 as per attached specifications.

RFX 3160008250

Incomplete quotes may be rejected. Please quote all items/quantities as per specifications.

USM payment terms are 2% ten days, net 45 days.

These terms will apply per Mississippi Law.

Technical Specifications – Scientific and Laboratory Equipment

1. General Requirements

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is soliciting sealed bids from qualified vendors for the procurement of scientific and laboratory equipment and associated items for use within a new aquaculture research facility currently under construction.

All equipment and materials shall be new, unused, and of current production. Refurbished, reconditioned, demonstration, or prototype equipment will not be accepted.

The specifications referenced herein establish minimum acceptable standards for quality, performance, compatibility, and operational suitability.

Where specific manufacturer names, model numbers, or product identifiers are referenced, they are intended to establish a minimum standard of quality, performance, compatibility, and operational reliability.

Equivalent products (“or approved equal”) may be proposed; however, the burden of proof rests solely with the bidder to demonstrate that the proposed product meets or exceeds all specified requirements.

To be considered for evaluation, bids proposing equivalent products must include:

• Complete technical specifications and manufacturer product literature

• Detailed side-by-side comparison to the specified product

• Documentation of performance characteristics and operational capabilities

• Confirmation of compatibility with intended laboratory and aquaculture applications

• Any installation, utility, or operational differences

Failure to provide sufficient supporting documentation may result in the proposed alternate being deemed non-responsive.

The University of Southern Mississippi reserves the right to determine equivalency based on, but not limited to:

• Performance and operational capability

• Durability and material quality

• Compatibility with existing systems and facility infrastructure

• Maintenance requirements and lifecycle considerations

• Suitability for scientific laboratory and aquaculture applications

Substitutions that, in the University’s judgment, introduce operational risk, reduce performance, require substantial facility modification, or fail to meet operational requirements may be rejected.

2. Intended Application

These scientific and laboratory equipment items will be utilized in support of aquaculture production systems, analytical laboratory operations, water quality analysis, microbiological applications, environmental monitoring, algal research, and associated scientific activities within a new aquaculture facility currently under construction.

Products must be suitable for continuous use in institutional laboratory and research environments requiring reliable performance, operational durability, and compatibility with scientific laboratory procedures.

3A. Precision Laboratory Balance (Quantity: 1 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: Adam Equipment

Preferred Model: LPB 423i Luna Precision Balance (or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Capacity: 420 g

• Readability: 0.001 g

• Internal calibration

• Digital laboratory precision balance suitable for analytical applications

• Stable weighing platform suitable for laboratory environments

• AC powered operation

• Suitable for scientific laboratory and research use

3B. Laboratory Stirring Hotplate – Large Format (Quantity: 1 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: Thermo Scientific

Preferred Model: SP88850100 - Cimarec+ Stirring Hotplate (or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Ceramic top plate construction

• Approximate top plate dimensions: 10.25-inch x 10.25-inch

• Electrical requirements: 100/120V, 50/60 Hz

• Integrated heating and magnetic stirring capability

• Corrosion-resistant laboratory-grade surface

• Suitable for continuous laboratory operation

3C. Laboratory Stirring Hotplate – Medium Format (Quantity: 2 Each)

Preferred Model: SP88857100 - Cimarec+ Stirring Hotplate (or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Ceramic top plate construction

• Approximate top plate dimensions: 7.25-inch x 7.25-inch

• Electrical requirements: 100/120V, 50/60 Hz

• Integrated heating and magnetic stirring capability

• Corrosion-resistant laboratory-grade surface

• Suitable for continuous laboratory operation

3D. Filter Holder Vacuum Manifold (Quantity: 2 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: Cytiva Whatman Preferred Model: 10498762 - Stainless Steel Filter Holder Vacuum Manifold (or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Six-position vacuum manifold configuration

• Stainless steel construction

• Accepts #8 stoppers

• Suitable for laboratory filtration applications

• Compatible with standard laboratory filtration procedures

• Corrosion-resistant design suitable for wet laboratory environments

• Can be autoclaved and sterilized by dry heat up to 180°C

3E. Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuge Package (Quantity: 1 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: Fisherbrand

Preferred Model: accuSpin MAX R 1.6 L Cell Culture TX-400 Package – Cat. No. 75-883-781 (or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Refrigerated benchtop centrifuge

• Approximate capacity: 1.6 L

• Swing bucket rotor configuration

• Digital controls and programmable operation

• Suitable for cell culture and laboratory applications

• Laboratory-grade construction suitable for continuous use

3F. Analytical Balance – Dual Range (Quantity: 1 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: METTLER TOLEDO Preferred Model: Analytical Balance XPR105 (Material No. 30355389) (or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Capacity: approximately 120 g

• Readability: 0.01 mg

• Stabilization time: approximately 2 seconds

• Calibration Type: Internal

• Suitable for precision analytical laboratory applications

3G. Analytical Balance (Quantity: 1 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: METTLER TOLEDO

Preferred Model: XSR304 Excellence Analytical Balance (or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Capacity: 320 g

• Readability: 0.1 mg

• Stabilization time: approximately 1.5 seconds

• Suitable for precision analytical laboratory applications

3H. LED Plant Growth Chamber (Quantity: 2 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: Caron Scientific & Services, Inc.

Preferred Model: 7312-22-1- LED Plant Growth Chamber (or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Single-door configuration

• Approximate capacity: 22 cubic feet

• LED lighting system, dimmable

• Approximate lighting intensity: 600 µmole/m2/s

• Temperature range: 15 to 45°C

• Three-tier shelving configuration

• Low-heat emissions

• Electrical: 115V, 60Hz, 12A

• Environmental controls suitable for plant growth and research applications

3I. General Purpose Heating and Drying Oven (Quantity: 2 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: Fisherbrand Isotemp

Preferred Model: Gravity Convection Oven – Cat. No. 15-103-0509 (or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Approximate Capacity: 176 L

• Temperature range: 50° to 250°C

• Gravity convection operation

• Adjustable temperature control

• Suitable for laboratory heating and drying applications

• Laboratory-grade construction suitable for continuous operation

3K. Portable Laboratory Balance (Quantity: 1 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: OHAUS

Preferred Model: Scout SPX1202(or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Capacity: 1200 g

• Readability: 0.01 g

• Repeatability: 0.02 g

• Portable laboratory balance suitable for laboratory and field applications

Platform size 6.7 x 5.5"

3L. Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer (Quantity: 1 Each)

Reference Model: TDE40086LA TDE Series Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer, or approved equal

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Upright, freestanding ultra-low temperature (ULT) laboratory freezer designed for long-term storage and preservation of scientific and biological samples.

• Nominal storage capacity: Approximately 19.4 cu. ft. (549 L), or greater.

• Temperature range: Must be capable of maintaining user-selectable operating temperatures over a range of at least -50°C to -86°C, with normal operation at a -80°C setpoint.

• Storage configuration: Minimum of three adjustable shelves or equivalent configurable storage system.

• Overall dimensions: Unit shall be reasonably comparable to the reference model and suitable for installation in a laboratory environment. Reference model dimensions are approximately 78 in. H ×

28.3 in. W × 38.5 in. D.

• Equipment offered as an approved equal must meet or exceed the functional, capacity, temperature, electrical, monitoring, and safety requirements specified above.

• Solid swing door, 4 inner doors

• cULus, FDA Class II

• 5-year standard warranty

3M. Fluorometer (Quantity: 1 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: Turner Designs

Preferred Model: TRILOGY Fluorometer (or approved equal)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Modular fluorometer system suitable for laboratory analysis

• Capable of fluorescence-based analytical measurements

• Digital display and programmable operation

• Suitable for laboratory analytical applications

3N. Small Steam Sterilizer (Quantity: 2 Each)

Preferred Manufacturer: STERIS

Preferred Model: AMSCO® 250LS Small Steam Sterilizer (or approved equal)

Included Options:

• Include SCALE BACK PRO Package 30-75KW water conditioning system package

• Include Vacuum Pump Upgrade (3-Phase Required)

Minimum Technical Specifications:

• Chamber dimensions approximately 20-inch x 20-inch x 38-inch (508 x 508 x 965 mm)

• Pre-vacuum steam sterilizer configuration

• Manual vertical sliding door

• Single-door cabinet configuration

• Electric steam generator – Carbon Steel

• 120V single-phase controls with 460/480V three-phase service for vacuum pump and/or steam generator as required

• English language controls and interface

• Include Atlas loading car, transfer carriage, and track assembly

• Include installation and startup services

• Suitable for scientific laboratory sterilization applications

4. Delivery Requirements

• FOB Destination: University of Southern Mississippi

• Vendor shall coordinate delivery with university personnel prior to shipment.

• All items shall be packaged to prevent damage during transit

• Each shipment must include:

o Packaging List o Product documentation (as applicable)

• Vendor shall provide an estimated delivery timeline with bid submission.

SPECIFICATIONS - Scientific and Laboratory Equipment