9250-25-R-IFBD-00016

Mississippi State University's Office of Procurement & Contracts is soliciting bids for a sophisticated Whole Slide Scanner through Invitation for Bid 25-02, with proposals due on January 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The procurement seeks a high-performance scanner with specific technical requirements, including continuous loading capacity for 450 slides across 15 racks, priority rack scanning capabilities, and automated image quality checking. The scanner must support Scanner Administration Manager and ESlide Manager software, with scanning speeds of approximately 32 seconds at 40x magnification for a 15mm x 15mm area. Bidders can submit responses electronically through portal.magic.ms.gov (RFX #3160007072) or via sealed envelope, with a focus on meeting precise technical specifications such as compatibility with 1-inch x 3-inch glass slides and specific rack types from Leica HistoCore Spectra and Sakura Prisma Stainer. An optional four-year service contract is available for slide imager and ESM Hub support, with payments structured at the beginning of each contract year. The procurement requires FOB Destination pricing terms and mandates the scanner feature automatic slide loading, calibration, and quality checking within a 23.6mm x 58mm scanning region.

While no explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types were detailed in the provided documentation, the bid appears open to qualified vendors capable of meeting the stringent technical specifications. The procurement does not indicate preference for disadvantaged enterprises or specify incumbent vendors. The solicitation suggests a potential comprehensive system investment, with the scanner and optional service contract representing a significant technology procurement for Mississippi State University. Although no specific budget range was explicitly stated, the technical complexity and specialized nature of the Whole Slide Scanner indicate a potentially substantial investment in advanced medical or research imaging technology. The extended bid opening date to January 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., as noted in the addendum, provides additional time for potential bidders to prepare and submit comprehensive proposals that meet the university's precise requirements.