SOLESOURCENOTICE_CCLYNCH_4.11.24.docx

Mississippi State University Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase 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):

· 12 Connect cable: External 12 VDC source.

· 9 TIENet 306 sampler interface cable with 32 ft long cable.

· 12 TIENet Receptacle, standard 1 ft (0.305 m) length.

· 12 LTE North America and International cellular modem with magnetic mount antenna for Signature meter.

· 12 TIENET 350 Ex Area Velocity Sensor.

· 9 3/8 inch ID x 25 ft. long vinyl suction line with standard weighted polypropylene strainer. Includes tubing coupler.

· 9 Cable, external 12 VDC to power Signature meter.

· 12 Signature Base Station.

· 12 GLS Sampler with 2.5 gallon (10 liter) polypropylene bottle.

· 9 674 Rain Gauge.

· 12 Flowlink Cipher for 25-49 active sites for remote monitoring and data storage.

· 12 First yeat ICell subscription for Cellular service with 10MB/month data and 25 SMS/month for remote monitoring and access of sites.

· 9 Three-hole cord grip fitting.

· 3 TIENET 306 sampler interface 10m cable.

· 1 3/8-inch vinyl suction line, 100ft

· 2 3/8-inch tubing coupler, one piece.

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:

These items will be used to conduct agricultural water quantity and quality research in multiple locations. This equipment made by Teledyne Isco is unique because it can be adapted to fit any field situation, has built-in data validation capabilities, cellular connectivity, customizable sample frequency and volumes (as opposed to pre-set options), and is the industry leader in repeatability, accuracy, and precision. It’s the only brand that can meet the specific needs of the department for multiple reasons. This equipment will be deployed to several fields with various configurations; therefore, adaptability is important. The research locations will be remote and data validation and cellular connectivity are imperative to quickly identify any problems and minimize lost data. The entirely customizable sampling capabilities will ensure that collected data conforms to research objectives. Finally, we and several of our collaborators currently possess ISCO equipment, and continuity of equipment manufacturer will eliminate unnecessary sources of variation in measured parameters and ensure continuity of data collection methods.

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

C.C. Lynch is the sole vendor authorized by the manufacturer to sell and represent Teledyne Isco equipment and supplies in Mississippi.

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

All the listed components above function together to create one water sampling unit. The estimated cost of the items is $12,967 - $14,081.00. We desire to purchase up to 12 units, which will cost an estimated $167,972. This is a reasonable price based on market value and the price quoted and paid for additional units in January and October 2023.

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:

We obtained an official letter from Teledyne Isco that states C.C. Lynch is the only authorized dealer of Teledyne Isco equipment in Mississippi (as well as Alabama, Louisiana, and parts of Florida and Texas). Therefore, C.C. Lynch carries the full backing of Teledyne Isco and is able to not only sell the equipment, but also provide service at an unmatched level. In an effort to ensure the best possible price, we compared quoted prices to those published on Teledyne Isco’s website and determined that C.C. Lynch’s prices were consistent or less than the website’s.

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.