SSP 26_025 DEPARTMENT LETTER.pdf

THAD COCHRAN MARINE AQUACULTURE CENTER | GULF COAST RESEARCH LABORATORY

703 East Beach Drive | Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Subject: Sole Source Justification – Pure Biomass Photobioreactor (PBR) System

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), through the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC), is requesting approval for the sole source procurement of a photobioreactor (PBR) system to be provided by PureBiomass, Inc., in support of algal seed production and large-scale biomass cultivation at the new Oyster Hatchery and Research Center

(OHRC) currently under construction at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Cedar Point Campus.

The requested system is a closed, biosecure photobioreactor platform designed to support continuous algal culture from laboratory-scale through production-scale volumes. This capability is essential to hatchery operations, as algae serve as the primary feed source for larval and juvenile oysters, and for conditioning broodstock oysters. The system will be installed in the Algal Facility’s Scale-Up and Mass Culture Rooms within the new OHRC building.

USM currently operates PureBiomass photobioreactor systems, which will be relocated and incorporated into the new facility. The proposed procurement is intended to expand this existing platform. As a result, compatibility with the current PureBiomass equipment is critical. The PureBiomass system utilizes a standardized scale-up process (25 L to 250 L to 1,350

L) with consistent control architecture, lighting, and gas exchange systems across all stages. No other manufacturer produces equipment that is interoperable with this existing platform. Procuring an alternative system would create operational inefficiencies, require additional staff training, and significantly increase the risk of contamination or culture failure.

In addition, PureBiomass employs a proprietary sterile bag reactor system utilizing gamma-irradiated, single-use culture vessels. This design ensures a closed, contamination-resistant environment that is essential for reliable hatchery-grade algal production. Alternative systems generally rely on rigid tanks or open/semi-open designs that do not provide the same level of sterility or operational efficiency and would introduce unacceptable risk to hatchery operations.

The physical configuration of the PureBiomass 1,350 L reactor is also a determining factor. Its narrow, vertical footprint allows it to fit within the spatial constraints of the OHRC Algal Facility as currently designed. Comparable large-scale systems typically require significantly larger footprints, which would necessitate costly facility modifications and delay project implementation.

Finally, the PureBiomass system is delivered as a fully integrated solution, including lighting, CO₂ delivery, air handling, and remote monitoring and control systems. These components are engineered to function together as a unified platform.

Replicating this level of integration using multiple vendors would require custom engineering, increase project complexity, and introduce performance and reliability risks.

Based on these considerations—specifically compatibility with existing equipment, proprietary sterile cultivation technology, facility constraints, and the need for a fully integrated and scalable system—PureBiomass, Inc. is the only vendor capable of meeting the University’s operational and technical requirements without significant additional cost, risk, or redesign.

The total cost of $247,346.09 is considered fair and reasonable given the specialized nature of the system, the level of integration provided, and the avoidance of additional costs associated with facility modifications, custom engineering, or operational inefficiencies.

For these reasons, USM respectfully requests approval to proceed with this procurement as a sole source purchase from PureBiomass, Inc.

Dr. Reginald Blaylock, Director

Les Graham Reg Blaylock_New