9270-25-R-RFIN-00011

The University of Mississippi (UM) has issued a Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase for a LYNX Model 410LX Cage & Rack Washer, specifically designed for sanitizing laboratory animal housing facilities. The procurement is critical for maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and AAALAC accreditation requirements. Scientific Resources Southwest, Inc. is identified as the exclusive supplier for this specialized equipment in an eight-state territory, including Mississippi. The procurement process requires potential objectors to submit any challenges to the sole source certification by Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10:00 am Central Time, with communications directed to Frank Kemp or Jeff Wells via solesource@olemiss.edu. The university has determined that this specific model offers unique advantages, including compatibility with their existing animal facility infrastructure, potential for using non-proprietary parts, and opportunities for local repair and staff training. Following the objection period, if no valid challenges are received, UM will seek approval from the Public Procurement Review Board to finalize the purchase.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent organizations were explicitly detailed in the provided documentation. The procurement appears to be a targeted sole source acquisition with Scientific Resources Southwest, Inc. as the primary vendor. The university has highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the proposed purchase, noting that the current quote is comparable to or potentially lower than alternative products that would require proprietary parts and service. While a precise budget range was not specified, the procurement is for a specialized piece of laboratory equipment essential for animal research facility operations. The university's approach suggests a strategic procurement focused on long-term operational efficiency and compliance, rather than a competitive bidding process. The potential award value would be limited to the cost of the LYNX Model 410LX Cage & Rack Washer and associated installation or training services.