9280-25-R-IFBD-00009

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is seeking to procure two Relocatable Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Systems through a competitive bid process. The procurement is specifically for small, portable ocean monitoring systems with advanced passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) capabilities, designed to be deployed in littoral zones. The systems must meet rigorous technical specifications, including dimensions of approximately 16cm in diameter, less than 1.8m in length, weighing under 23kg, with a maximum depth rating of 190m and a Li-ion battery capacity of at least 1400Wh. Key deliverables include the complete systems, accompanying software packages, comprehensive documentation, and mandatory vendor-provided training on operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The bid solicitation (Bid 25-08, RFx #3160006894) requires vendors to demonstrate a proven track record of system performance, with references showing successful system operation in similar configurations within the past two years. Bids are due on October 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. CT, to be submitted to USM's Office of Procurement Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The selected vendor must deliver the systems within 10 weeks of contract award to USM's Marine Research Center in Gulfport, with a minimum one-year warranty required.

The bid documentation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. However, the procurement includes two optional components: Option 1 for spare part kits and a recovery system vacuum pump, and Option 2 allowing USM to potentially purchase up to three additional systems and obtain 50 hours of engineering support for magnetic sensor integration. While no specific budget range is detailed, the comprehensive technical requirements suggest a sophisticated and potentially high-value procurement. Payment terms are structured as 2% discount if paid within ten days, with net 45-day terms per Mississippi state law. The university reserves the right to reject any or all bids and may evaluate vendors based on their technical capabilities, system performance history, and integrated PAM capabilities. Transportation costs will be the responsibility of the vendor, who must deliver the systems to USM's Marine Research Center. The procurement appears open to multiple vendors who can meet the stringent technical and performance specifications outlined in the request for bids.