9270-26-R-RFIN-00010

The University of Mississippi is pursuing a sole source procurement for a Pasco Experiments EX-9987 Reflection and Refraction Experiment Kit for its Physics department, with a specific intent to replace outdated optics laboratory equipment critical for physics majors and engineering students. The proposed purchase is for a specialized scientific apparatus that includes a planar mirror, concave mirror, convex mirror, converging lens, diverging lens, and a bright light source. The university has determined that Pasco is the sole manufacturer and distributor of this specific experiment kit, which is uniquely compatible with their existing optics experiments. The procurement opportunity is identified by solicitation number 9270-26-R-RFIN-00010, with a posted date of October 14, 2025, and a response deadline of October 29, 2025, at 10:00 am Central Time. Interested parties are invited to submit comments or objections before the specified deadline, after which the University of Mississippi will potentially seek approval from the Public Procurement Review Board to complete the purchase.

The solicitation appears to be a non-competitive procurement without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The proposed purchase has a total value of $7,800.00, for which the university has already negotiated a 3% discount. No incumbent vendors or alternative sources are mentioned, and the university emphasizes the long-term value of the equipment, suggesting it could serve tens of thousands of students over multiple decades. The procurement is specifically targeted to replace decades-old equipment and seems to be limited to a direct purchase from Pasco as the sole source provider. If no viable alternative sources are identified during the comment period, the university will proceed with the procurement through the standard sole source approval process. The equipment is intended for direct use in university physics and engineering educational programs, with a focus on maintaining current laboratory teaching capabilities.