SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION LETTER MANS FOR PASCO.pdf

This is a Sole Source Justification Letter from the University of Southern Mississippi's School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences requesting approval for a non-competitive procurement of Data Acquisition Labs Expansion equipment from PASCO Scientific under Mississippi Code Section 31-7-13(C). The procurement encompasses educational laboratory equipment including electron charge-to-mass ratio apparatus, photoelectric effect systems, spectrophotometer systems, optical benches, laser equipment, data acquisition interfaces, and supporting optical and acoustic components, with quantities ranging from one to ten units depending on item type. The project is driven by increased physics major enrollment and aims to double laboratory capacity from 16 to 32 students per course. The procurement must be completed by fall term 2026 to address scheduling constraints. Objections to the sole source justification are due by June 8, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time, with comments directed to Jacob Cochran, Director of Procurement & Contracts.

The estimated contract value is $38,119.90. PASCO Scientific is the sole source provider based on proprietary technology, specialized expertise, and existing system compatibility with the university's current laboratory infrastructure. Alternative vendors such as Arbor Scientific, Ward's Science, and Vernier were evaluated but determined unable to meet integration requirements without uneconomic complete system replacements that would render existing assets obsolete. PASCO's special educational pricing enhances cost effectiveness for the institution. The procurement is identified as USM SSP 26_026 with RFx number 3150006851, and if no viable objections are received, the matter will be submitted to the Public Procurement Review Board for final authorization.