9250-27-R-RFIN-00019-V01

Mississippi State University is proceeding with a sole-source procurement for precision spreading and sliding calipers and related forensic anthropology instruments, with proposals due October 8, 2026 under solicitation 9250-27-R-RFIN-00019. This is a restricted procurement — the university has determined that the specified instruments are available only from SERITEX Inc. and cannot be obtained from alternative manufacturers in equivalent configurations.

The scope comprises a Small Instrument Bag containing Models 104 and 106 precision spreading and sliding calipers, a Model 218 Mandibulometer with protractor, and a Model 216 Orbitometer. These instruments are required for forensic anthropological examination of human skeletal remains and collection of standardized osteometric measurements used in biological profile estimation, case documentation, and comparison analyses. The university specified these particular models based on their precision and suitability for professional forensic applications where measurements may be subject to peer review, legal discovery, or expert-witness testimony.

The estimated total cost is $6,732.00, consisting of the Models 104 and 106 instrument set at $2,999.00, the Model 218 Mandibulometer with protractor at $3,199.00, the Model 216 Orbitometer at $469.00, and UPS Ground freight at $65.00. The quote is valid for 60 days. One unit of each instrument or instrument set is required.

Any entity objecting to this sole-source determination must submit written notice to Jennifer Mayfield, Director of Procurement Services, with the subject line "Sole Source Objection" and provide detailed documentation explaining why the commodity is not sole source and can be provided by another entity.