1941-26-R-RFIN-00003

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Materials Division is conducting a sole source procurement for a dynamic friction tester from Shima American Corporation, with a contract opportunity identified as 1941-26-R-RFIN-00003. The procurement specifically seeks one Dynamic Friction Tester (USB version) that is compliant with ASTM E-1911-98 standard, designed to perform friction testing on concrete and asphalt surfaces. The equipment will be used by the Materials Division to conduct critical infrastructure testing and quality assurance assessments. The procurement timeline indicates a posting date of December 30, 2025, with proposals due by January 7, 2026, and an anticipated delivery timeframe of approximately 120 days from the quotation date. The total procurement value is $54,828, which includes the equipment unit price of $2,300 and a substantial shipping cost of $52,528 to Jackson, Mississippi. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed, but the sole source documentation emphasizes the unique technical specifications and operational requirements that only this specific equipment can meet.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Shima American Corporation is confirmed as the sole authorized agent and exclusive U.S. distributor of the Nippo Sangyo manufactured dynamic friction tester, effectively eliminating competitive bidding. MDOT has conducted market research, including a local newspaper advertisement and a Request for Information (RFIN) through the MAGIC portal to validate pricing and alternative solutions. The sole source justification indicates that no competitive alternatives exist that meet the technical specifications required by the Materials Division. Interested parties challenging the sole source determination must submit a detailed explanation using the Objection to Sole Source Determination form, with potential contact made to MDOT Procurement Division staff Ashley Harrell, Marvin Grayer, or Angela Bailey. Payment terms are established as NET 30 days, with accepted methods including ACH or wire transfer, and the vendor reserves the right to adjust pricing based on U.S. government tariff announcements.