9270-25-R-RFIN-00018

The University of Mississippi (UM) has issued a Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase for an Emriver EM3 River Simulator, a specialized 3m x 1m interactive river model designed for demonstrating complex water flow, sand transport, and river slope interactions. The procurement, identified by the contract number 9270-25-R-RFIN-00018, is specific to Lamar County, Mississippi, and focuses on acquiring a sophisticated educational and research tool with precise water pump controls, adjustable drain plugs for sea level simulation, and tilting capabilities for tectonic scenario modeling. The university conducted extensive vendor research, including multiple meetings and consultations with river and water studies professionals, to validate the unique nature of this equipment. Interested parties may submit objections to the sole source certification before Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10:00 am Central Time by contacting Frank Kemp or Jeff Wells via specified email addresses. If no viable alternative vendors are identified during the review process, UM will seek approval from the Public Procurement Review Board to complete the purchase.

The procurement appears to be unrestricted in terms of vendor participation, with no specific set-aside designations or enterprise restrictions mentioned in the documentation. The university has applied the maximum available educational discount, though the exact purchase price is not disclosed in the provided documents. Should UM determine during its review that alternative suppliers exist, the procurement will be converted to a competitive bidding process. The sole source certification suggests that Emriver, Inc. is the primary and potentially exclusive vendor for this specialized river simulation equipment. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement represents a targeted investment in advanced educational technology for river and water studies research. The university's thorough vendor evaluation process indicates a commitment to ensuring the most appropriate and cost-effective procurement of this specialized scientific equipment.