9250-26-R-IFBD-00003

Mississippi State University's Office of Procurement Services issued a Request for Proposals for the design, fabrication, delivery, and installation of an interactive mobile educational aquifer exhibit to be housed within a 24-foot cargo car hauler trailer. The primary objectives are to create a comprehensive educational tool that illustrates the Mississippi Alluvial Aquifer, demonstrates groundwater and surface water interaction, and promotes agricultural water conservation practices for use at schools, fairs, and outreach events throughout Mississippi. The exhibit must include four mandatory components: a 3D aquifer model with functioning pump and flow system, sediment layer displays with tactile interactive features, a plant root system display with moisture sensors, and an interactive touchscreen component featuring a minimum 32-inch monitor. All materials must meet durability, safety, and accessibility standards, comply with the National Electrical Code for electrical systems, and operate on standard 110V AC shore power with optional generator hookup capability. Vendor questions are due by February 3, 2026, with MSU responses provided by February 10, 2026, and sealed proposals must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. on February 26, 2026, to the Office of Procurement Services at 405 Garrard Road East, Starkville, MS 39759. Evaluation will be conducted on a 100-point scale: Corporate Structure/Years of Experience/References (10 points), Design Plan/Concepts/Knowledge of Higher Education Marketing (55 points), and Fees (35 points). The estimated award date is March 27, 2026, with the contract term extending from award through project completion.

The RFP does not explicitly identify any set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendors. No specific budget range or award value is stated in the procurement documentation. Respondents must submit proposals using a two-step process with separate sealed envelopes for technical and cost proposals, and all proposals must remain valid for 180 days following the due date. The cost proposal should include base cost, any additional fees, and the vendor's willingness to negotiate fees for institutions of higher learning in Mississippi. MSU reserves the right to conduct discussions with respondents, request Best and Final Offers, conduct interviews with finalists, and reject any or all proposals. The awarded contractor must comply with MSU's standard contract terms and enter into a contract in substantial compliance with university standards, with MSU retaining the right to terminate the contract with thirty days' notice.