9250-27-R-RFIN-00014

Mississippi State University is requesting approval for a sole-source purchase of a CEAD B.V. AM Flexbot hybrid robotic large-format 3D printing system, with written objections due September 25, 2026. The procurement is restricted to CEAD Group, Inc., the exclusive authorized U.S. distributor; the manufacturer, CEAD B.V. (Delft, Netherlands), has confirmed sole-source status through signed OEM certification based on patented technologies including non-mechanical bonding printbed and horizontal printing capabilities on robotic platforms.

The Advanced Composites Institute (ACI) requires this equipment to produce custom tooling, molds, fixtures, and end-use parts for Department of Defense programs. The system is a turnkey installation featuring a six-axis industrial robot, E40 pellet extrusion system with 130 lbs/h output capacity, CNC milling with automatic tool change, and Siemens Sinumerik software control. The university determined this was the only source capable of meeting performance requirements after a literature review and consultation with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), which has already deployed the same equipment.

The estimated cost is $1.253 million per quote CQ22-3789, covering the complete system including transport, installation, calibration, commissioning, training, and ongoing service and maintenance support. Place of performance is Mississippi State University. The justification centers on ACI's need to reduce manufacturing lead times while maintaining quality assurance and part-level traceability for defense applications that traditional tooling methods cannot meet within acceptable timeframes. Objections to sole-source designation must be submitted in writing to Jennifer Mayfield, CPPO Interim Deputy Director of Procurement & Contracts, with detailed explanations and supporting documentation.