9250-27-R-RFIN-00006

Mississippi State University is announcing a sole source purchase of a custom-built research plot sprayer manufactured by R & D Sprayers, with objections due August 11, 2026. This is a sole source procurement — competing bids are not solicited.

The sprayer is designed for attachment to a sub-compact tractor and supports the vegetable Extension program's pesticide application to vegetable research plots. The unit features multi-tank/bottle configurations (up to eight 2-liter bottles for multiple treatments in a single pass, or larger tanks ranging from 3 to 15 gallons), adjustable and offset boom systems to accommodate crops up to 12 feet wide, and independently supplied boom sections to prevent cross-contamination between treatments. The equipment adjusts for crop sizes from bare ground to taller crops such as sweet corn.

The estimated contract value is $13,364.55. No shipping costs are anticipated due to the vendor's proximity to the university. Mississippi State University evaluated multiple alternative vendors and manufacturers, determining that R & D Sprayers is the sole source capable of meeting the specialized requirements — other systems were either incompatible with spatial constraints, relied on pump-based delivery systems prone to cross-contamination, utilized larger fixed tank systems unsuitable for small-plot research, or were located outside the United States with associated logistical challenges. The university identified the custom sprayer as reasonable compared to standard hand-held research backpack sprayers costing $1,000 to $1,500, which lack the capability to spray large 12-foot-wide plots.

Objections to the sole source designation must be submitted in writing to Jennifer Mayfield, CPPO Director of Procurement Services, with detailed explanations and supporting documentation of why alternative sources exist.