9270-26-R-RFIN-00008

The University of Mississippi, specifically the Physics department through Procurement Services, is pursuing a sole source procurement for specialized laboratory equipment for a new STEM building. The procurement involves six specific Pasco Experiments scientific apparatuses: ME-6830 Ballistic Pendulums, SF-8607 Basic Current Balance, SF-8608 Current Balance Accessory Kits, ME-8970 Equal Length Spring Sets, ET-8771B Energy Transfer Generators, and SE-8760 Double-Length Slinkys. The university seeks these items to maintain standardized curriculum across physics laboratories and ensure equipment compatibility. The sole source notice indicates that Pasco Scientific is the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of these exact experimental equipment pieces. The procurement opportunity is located in Lamar County, Mississippi, with a total proposed purchase amount of $22,901.68, which includes a negotiated 3% discount. Interested parties may submit objections to the sole source procurement until Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10:00 am Central Time, with potential outcomes including competitive rebidding or seeking approval from the Public Procurement Review Board.

The procurement appears to have no explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Pasco Scientific is identified as the sole source vendor, with no indication of alternative suppliers or incumbent contractors. The university's rationale for sole sourcing emphasizes curriculum standardization and the prohibitive costs of transitioning to alternative equipment. The procurement process allows for potential objections, which could trigger a competitive bidding process or require additional justification for the direct purchase. The budget range is precisely defined at $22,901.68, with a 3% discount already negotiated. The equipment procurement is specifically targeted at enhancing laboratory capabilities in the Physics department's new STEM building, with a focus on maintaining consistent educational standards and laboratory experiences across different course sections.