NOTICE 267-047.pdf

Mississippi State University Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase

267-047

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

1. Commodity or commodities to be purchased (make, model, description):

X-Ray Tube, 2.2kW, Cu, Ceramic,LFF,Canon,and Corrosion Inhibitor(BTA),10mL This is a direct replacement X-ray Tube for the Rigaku SmartLab X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) currently located at the Mississippi State University Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies.

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

The requested 2.2 kW Cu Ceramic LFF X-ray tube is a specialized replacement component for the existing Rigaku SmartLab X-ray Diffractometer. The replacement tube must meet Rigaku’s specifications to ensure compatibility, performance, and safe operation.

Rigaku Americas Corporation has confirmed that its equipment incorporates proprietary designs and requires Rigaku factory components for replacement parts. The specified X-ray tube is manufacturer specific. Therefore, non-Rigaku alternatives are incompatible with the existing system and will adversely affect its performance or safety.

Accordingly, a Rigaku factory replacement tube is required to restore and maintain the proper operation of the existing SmartLab XRD.

3. Name of company/individual selling the item and why that source is the only possible source that can provide the required item(s):

Rigaku Americas Corporation is the original manufacturer of the SmartLab 3KW XG X-ray diffractometer and the authorized source for replacement components specified for the system. Rigaku has confirmed in writing that its equipment incorporates proprietary designs and that replacement parts must meet Rigaku factory-quality requirements. Rigaku also confirmed that it has no partnerships or agreements with other service providers within the United States and does not certify or endorse non-Rigaku personnel or representatives to maintain or service its equipment. Accordingly, the required 2.2 kW Cu Ceramic LFF X-ray tube must be procured through Rigaku Americas Corporation to ensure compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications and requirements.

4. Estimated cost of item(s) and an explanation why the amount to be expended is considered reasonable:

Estimated cost: $9,872.70

The requested component is a specialized replacement X-ray tube specified for the existing Rigaku SmartLab XRD system. It is not a generic commercial component that can be competitively substituted without potentially affecting compatibility, performance, and safety.

Rigaku has confirmed that replacement parts for the system must meet Rigaku factory-quality requirements.

The expenditure is necessary to restore the existing XRD system to operational condition and maintain the department’s analytical capabilities. The estimated cost of $9,872.70 is considered reasonable given the specialized nature of the component, its manufacturer-specific requirements, and the need to ensure compatibility and safe operation with the existing system.

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

The department investigated alternative sources for the specified X-ray tube. The department contacted Canon Medical Components USA regarding the 2.2 kW, Cu, Ceramic, LFF X-ray tube.

On August 18, 2026, Canon confirmed that it could not supply the customized tube and directed the department to the system manufacturer, Rigaku Americas Corporation.

The department subsequently obtained pricing directly from Rigaku Americas Corporation.

Given the specialized, manufacturer-specific requirements of the component and the need to restore the existing SmartLab XRD system, the department requested the best available pricing from the manufacturer. Rigaku provided pricing of $9,872.70 for the required replacement tube.

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:

Jennifer Mayfield, CPPO Director of Procurement Services, Chief Procurement Officer jmayfield@procurement.msstate.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, MSU determines that the commodity in the proposed sole source request can be provided by another person or entity, then MSU 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.

If MSU determines after review that there is only one (1) source for the required commodity, then MSU will appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board. MSU will have the burden of proving that the commodity is only provided by one (1) source.

mailto:jmayfield@procurement.msstate.edu