SOLE_SOURCE_NOTICE_20230707.docx

Mississippi State University Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase 234-95

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):

Abrasive attachment for abrasive waterjet cutting: 20497504 KMT Precisionline Metering Assembly, 05075213 KMT 500V Abrasive Transfer System

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:

Abrasive waterjet cutting can provide higher cutting force and better cutting surface quality. We need to use abrasive waterjet cutting to do filleting and deheading research. Pure waterjet cutting cannot cut through catfish frames. We have already bought the waterjet cutting machine, abrasive assemblies from other companies are incompatible with the current machine.

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

KMT Waterjet Systems Inc. We have already bought the waterjet cutting machine, abrasive assemblies from other companies are incompatible with the current machine.

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

Precisionline Metering Assembly ($2,936.21) - Designed to ensure the proper amount of abrasive is delivered per the setting. The metering device has fine adjustment to compensate for variations in abrasive quality, mesh and supply. The feeder is important to meter the required amount of abrasive, therefore ensuring consistent cutting, piercing and minimizing consumption.

Abrasive Transfer System ($9,650) - Designed and manufactured within pressure vessel guidelines and specifications. Heavy duty construction, long life and ease of maintenance.

All equipment has been tested and certified by KMT. The designs are proven and have been in product portfolio for many years with hundreds of end users' satisfaction. All equipment comes with KMT warranty, technical support and designed to work properly with KMT cutting machines.

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:

We have already bought the waterjet cutting machine, abrasive assemblies from other companies are incompatible with the current machine.

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 Interim Deputy Director of Procurement & Contracts 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.