SOLE_SOURCE_NOTICE_EGG SHELL ULTIMATE.docx

Mississippi State University Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase 234-93

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):

Egg Tester Ultimate – it combines three machines into one. The three machines are egg content (color, Haugh unit, USDA grade), analyzer, eggshell thickness gauge and egg shell breaking strength.

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:

This system combines three separate machines into one. Typically, three machines ae required for determining eggshell strength, eggshell thickness and egg content parameters (Haugh unit, USDA grade and yolk color). Another advantage is that data can be sent to a PC and automatically entered into a spread sheet. Having these three features as well as it inputting it into a computer in one machine would allow students and staff using this to be efficient with their time and to perform more measurements.

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

The company’s name is ORKA and they are the only one that markets this machine.

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

The quote we were given was for $12,100. This is reasonable since each machine if acquired separately would cost $5,000 each ($15,000 for all three)

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:

To the best of my knowledge there is no other source for this type of machine. Working with eggs is specialized so there are few sources available.

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.