OUR WAR TOO - NOTICE OF SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE.pdf

MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY (MDAH)

Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase

RFI# 3150006034

MDAH anticipates purchasing the commodity listed below as a sole source purchase. Anyone objecting that this is a sole source purchase shall follow the procedures outlined below.

1. Description of commodity

A museum traveling exhibit titled “Our War Too: Women in Service” presented by the National World War II Museum. It includes more than 200 artifacts, narrative films, digital and interactive conversation interviews, environmental projections, hands-on interactives, text and graphic panels, exhibit furniture and cases, press and marketing materials, and classroom guides and education package.

2. Explanation of why the commodity is the only one that can meet the needs of the agency

Part of MDAH’s mission is to inspire discoveries of stories that connect our lives and shape our future. MDAH accomplishes this mission in part by educating the public through impactful temporary exhibits that cover a variety of historical topics that are of significance to Mississippi.

This exhibit uniquely meets the needs of MDAH by providing never-before seen artifacts and stories about women in battle during World War II. The exhibit meets MDAH’s strict standards of professionalism and scholarship as it was produced and curated by the reputable National World War II Museum. There is no other exhibit that fulfils the strict standards set by MDAH for a quality exhibit covering this important, yet rarely explored, topic.

3. Explanation of why the source is the only entity that can provide required commodity

This is the only traveling exhibit of its kind. It is the only comprehensive exhibit that features only women in service during World War II. Aside from being a seldom-covered topic, this exhibit is solely about women and tells the story through authentic historical artifacts, carefully curated interpretation, professional design and fabrication, and the latest technology.

4. Explanation of why the amount to be expended for the commodity is reasonable

The size of this professionally built exhibit requires between 4000 and 6000 square feet of space as it is filled with a variety of elements. It includes over 200 artifacts, museum quality mounts and display cases, design plans and layout. The AV components include various films, sounds, and interactive interviews with historical figures using Artificial Intelligence. There are also low-tech interactives as well as interpretive and graphic wall panels, object labels and more. Not only do the elements justify the cost, but also the extended time that it will be on display at MDAH’s Two Mississippi Museums from March 11 through November 10, 2027.

5. Effort that the agency went through to obtain the best possible price for the commodity

The Curatorial Services team at MDAH researched World War II exhibits nationwide. None of them met the needs of the agency in terms of size, scope, quality or interpretation. Once satisfied that this exhibit was sole source, MDAH negotiated the price with the National World War II Museum to lower the price significantly while keeping the exhibit on display at 2MM for an extended period.

6. Procedures for any person or entity that objects and proposes that the commodity published on the procurement portal is not the sole source and can be provided by another person or entity.

Any person or entity that objects and proposes that the commodity is not a sole source and can be provided by another person or entity shall submit a written notice physically or emailed by January 31,2025 to:

Joey Roberts

Finance Director

Mississippi Department of Archives and History

P.O. Box 571

Jackson, MS 39205-0571

Or:

JRoberts@mdah.ms.gov

Subject line must read: Sole Source Objection

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

Publish Dates: All dates in the range 12/26/2024 through 1/15/2025 mailto:JRoberts@mdah.ms.gov