1941-26-R-RFIN-00001

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Materials Division is pursuing a sole source procurement for replacement parts and professional repair services for a Tinius Olsen Rebar Machine Test Universal Load Frame Equipment. The specific procurement (solicitation number 1941-26-R-RFIN-00001) seeks drive screws and related components necessary to maintain the functionality of specialized testing equipment used for tensile testing of steel materials including rebar, steel wire, cables, bolts, direct tension indicators, and cast iron test bars. This procurement is being conducted through a sole source process with Tinius Olsen as the exclusive manufacturer and vendor capable of supplying the required replacement parts. The solicitation was posted on August 26, 2025, with proposal responses due by September 17, 2025. Key objectives include ensuring continuous operational capabilities of critical materials testing equipment and maintaining the precision of testing infrastructure. MDOT has implemented additional procurement transparency measures, including publishing an advertisement in a local newspaper and entering a Request for Information (RFIN) into the MAGIC portal to validate the procurement process.

The procurement appears to be unrestricted, with no specific set-aside designations or enterprise restrictions mentioned in the documentation. Tinius Olsen is positioned as the sole source vendor, with proprietary rights to original factory parts and specialized maintenance capabilities. The total procurement value is not expected to exceed $18,005.00 for replacement parts and installation. Interested parties who object to the sole source determination can submit a detailed explanation using the Objection to Sole Source Determination (OSS) form and contact MDOT Procurement Division representatives Ashley Harrell or Marvin Grayer. The existing infrastructure involves a sophisticated testing machine manufactured by Tinius Olsen, with the company emphasizing its 143-year history of manufacturing testing equipment and ability to provide factory-trained service technicians. No incumbent vendors other than Tinius Olsen are identified in the procurement documents, and the focus remains on maintaining the current equipment's operational status through authorized manufacturer-specific components.