1475-26-R-RFIN-00001

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) is pursuing a sole source procurement for specialized museum-grade display cases manufactured exclusively by Gaylord Archival. The specific procurement involves acquiring 2 AXS tower exhibit cases, 9 Little Gem wall exhibit cases, 8 Sapphire Pedestal cases, and 2 League Jersey Wall Showcases to support the upcoming 2026 in-house exhibit "Mississippi Made," which will display over 250 historical artifacts. These museum-quality cases are designed with unique features including acid-free and lignin-free materials, specialized installation methods, and design elements that minimize artifact damage. The procurement is located in Hinds County and Jackson City, Mississippi, with a formal notice of sole source purchase posted on July 28, 2025. Potential vendors have an opportunity to object to the sole source procurement, with written objections due by August 18, 2025, at 5:00 pm, to be submitted to Joey Roberts, Finance Director. MDAH has conducted research on alternative museum supply companies like University Products, Light Impressions, and Delta Designs but determined no comparable alternatives exist.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The total quote for the display cases is $49,606.49, which includes $44,824.19 for the items and $4,782.30 for shipping and handling. Delivery is estimated to occur within 2-6 weeks after order receipt, with shipping via tractor trailer and requirements for a loading dock or enhanced delivery services. The quote is valid from July 8, 2025, to September 30, 2025, and for orders over $5,000, a signed purchase order is required. All custom and non-stock items are noted as non-cancelable and non-returnable. The procurement is unique in that Gaylord Bros., Inc. is the exclusive manufacturer and distributor, holding proprietary rights to the product line, design, trade dress, and distribution channels. The agency views this expenditure as reasonable, anticipating these cases will be reused for multiple exhibits over many years, supporting MDAH's mission of preserving and displaying artifacts significant to Mississippi's history and culture.