9250-26-R-RFIN-00037

Mississippi State University is seeking to procure an Anton Paar Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) Module through a sole source purchase (RFI No. 9250-26-R-RFIN-00037), with a due date of April 29, 2026. The procurement encompasses a specialized DMA module designed to integrate with the university's existing Anton Paar Modular Compact Rheometer (MCR 702e) located in the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering. The complete equipment package includes a Convection Temperature Device (CTD 600), a Measuring Drive Linear DMA unit, an EVU 20 Low Temperature Option, a Nitrogen Liquid Container, a Solid Rectangular Fixture, and a lower drive box. The module will support polymer and composite materials research conducted by the Kundu and Jessop lab groups, providing capabilities for linear DMA measurements including torsional, extensional, three-point bending, cantilever, and compression testing across a temperature range of -160 to 600 degrees Celsius. The university has determined sole source status based on Anton Paar's unique modular design capabilities, specifically the exclusive ability to directly measure Poisson's Ratio in a single sample loading, capabilities unavailable from competing vendors such as TA Instruments or other manufacturers. The procurement notice was posted on April 15, 2026, with a deadline of April 29, 2026, and invites written objections from interested parties to be submitted to Jennifer Mayfield, CPPO Director of Procurement and Contracts, at jmayfield@procurement.msstate.edu with the subject line "Sole Source Objection."

This procurement is designated as a sole source purchase, restricting responses to Anton Paar USA, the sole authorized distributor in the United States for this specialized equipment. The university has negotiated significant cost reductions through Anton Paar USA, including a 25 percent accessory discount (expiring May 1, 2026), refurbished demo items at 50 to 65 percent discounts, and complimentary items, resulting in a total estimated cost of $64,800 for the DMA Module. This represents substantial savings compared to standalone alternatives, including the TA Instruments Academic Discovery DMA850 at $94,900 after academic discount and an Anton Paar MCR 503 at $128,837.60 with a 30 percent discount. The equipment must integrate directly with Mississippi State University's existing Anton Paar MCR 702e rheometer infrastructure already installed in the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering. The total award value for this procurement is estimated at $64,800, reflecting the negotiated sole source pricing from the authorized distributor.