9270-26-R-RFIN-00006

The University of Mississippi's Department of Biology is pursuing a sole source procurement for specialized microscope equipment through solicitation 9270-26-R-RFIN-00006, specifically seeking an ORCA-Quest qCMOS camera, ET-DAPI Filter Set, and cellSens software compatible with an existing Olympus IX-81 microscope. The procurement is necessitated by severely outdated microscope components that threaten ongoing research capabilities, with the primary objective of restoring full system functionality and supporting critical scientific investigations. The proposed purchase from Hunt Optics & Imaging, Inc. encompasses advanced imaging components featuring 95% peak quantum efficiency and ultra-low-light imaging capabilities. Interested parties may submit comments or objections to the sole source certification until Monday, September 15, 2025, at 10:00 am Central Time, with responses directed to Jeff Wells, Procurement Manager at the University of Mississippi Procurement Services. The solicitation is specific to Lamar County, Mississippi, with a posted date of August 31, 2025, and a proposal due date of September 16, 2025.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent organizations, with Hunt Optics & Imaging, Inc. identified as the sole authorized Olympus-branded parts dealer in Mississippi. The total purchase amount is $51,119.85, which the university considers reasonable and consistent with market pricing, with funding secured through a recently awarded NSF grant. Using alternative vendors could potentially void the microscope's existing warranty or necessitate purchasing an entirely new system at approximately four times the current cost. The components are specifically designed to integrate with the existing Olympus IX-81 microscope infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and minimizing potential disruptions to research workflows. The procurement represents a strategic upgrade aimed at maintaining scientific research capabilities through targeted technological enhancement, with the university having already initiated preliminary negotiations to secure potential discounts on the required components.