Mississippi State University is soliciting a sole-source purchase of a WRK Drift Tower System with ancillary materials and services, with a notice posted October 8, 2026 and objection period closing October 22, 2026. MSU's Agricultural Autonomy Institute requires this system to collect research data on off-target drift movement from unmanned aerial application systems (spray drones). The procurement is restricted to the WRK Drift Tower System manufactured by WRK of Arkansas. MSU justifies the sole-source designation on the grounds that this system is purpose-built for drift data collection in aerial product applications, whereas competing tower alternatives are over-engineered for radio and telecommunications infrastructure designed to withstand severe weather irrelevant to the research use case. MSU conducted extensive evaluation including analysis of competing products, consideration of in-house development, and price negotiation. The scope includes the WRK Drift Tower System, corresponding polyester string material, fluorescent dye, manufacturer delivery, system setup, and three days of on-site manufacturer training for MSU personnel. Dr. Dennis Gardisser of WRK of Arkansas is identified as the sole provider of manufacturer training. The estimated cost is $12,025. MSU considers this reasonable relative to the nearest alternative tower option priced above $14,000. Interested parties may submit written objections to Jennifer Mayfield, CPPO Director of Procurement Services, if they can demonstrate detailed justification that the commodity is not sole source. The objection period closes October 22, 2026.
Name | Description | Size | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NOTICE 267-050.pdf | 112KB | 10/8/26 |