9270-27-R-RFIN-00001

The University of Mississippi Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry has issued a notice of proposed sole-source purchase for a Gas Cluster Ion Beam (Argon Source) System under solicitation 9270-27-R-RFIN-00001, with objections due August 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. This is a sole-source intent procurement — the University identifies Ionoptika as the sole manufacturer and direct distributor of the required proprietary instrument, with no third-party distributors or domestic brokers capable of providing a compatible stand-alone argon cluster source.

The scope is an Ionoptika GCIB 10S system designed for rapid, low-damage surface sputtering and analysis. The system must be a stand-alone gas cluster ion beam argon source capable of controlled removal of ultra-thin films over a 7 × 7 mm area; integrate with custom instrumentation currently in use in the department; provide real-time cluster measurement and sample current imaging; and be compatible with various high-vacuum instruments and associated software. The department requires this specific capability as part of a research application.

The total purchase price is $121,740, which the University reports is below market costs for comparable custom ion sources. The price was negotiated by the department principal investigator during the needs determination process.

Parties wishing to object to sole-source certification must submit responses by August 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time to Jeff Wells, Procurement Manager, University of Mississippi Procurement Services, by hand delivery, regular mail, overnight delivery, or email to solesource@olemiss.edu with copy to purchase@olemiss.edu. If the University determines after reviewing objections that another entity can provide the commodity, the procurement will be withdrawn and submitted to competitive bidding. If sole-source status is upheld, the University will appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board for approval to proceed with the purchase.