9280-25-R-IFBD-00026

The University of Southern Mississippi is seeking bids for an advanced battery system through a competitive procurement process (Bid #25-26, RFx #3160007080) with responses due on January 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CT. The university requires a sophisticated energy storage battery with specific technical requirements, including 18,000 Wh/L energy density, an operational temperature range of -46C to 200C, and an estimated lifespan of 20+ years with minimal degradation. Vendors must provide comprehensive deliverables including installation, training, an operations guide, maintenance manual, spare parts list, and lifetime technical support. The procurement requires submission of one signed original bid, two physical copies, and one electronic version on a USB drive, with pricing structured as F.O.B. Destination Freight Allowed. Evaluation criteria will focus on selecting the lowest and most advantageous responsible bidder meeting all specified technical and operational requirements. The university has reserved the right to solicit Best and Final Offers (BAFOs) if proposal costs exceed available funding or if no initial proposals present optimal value.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly detailed in the procurement documents. The university's payment terms are structured as 2% discount if paid within ten days, with full payment due within 45 days. Vendors must provide a minimum one-year warranty from the delivery date, with warranty coverage beginning after system installation and verification. The delivery lead time cannot exceed 18 weeks from contract award. While no incumbent vendor was identified, the battery system must be leak-resistant, non-toxic, and constructed from recyclable materials. The procurement does not specify a precise budget range or award value, leaving potential pricing open to competitive bidding. The University of Southern Mississippi will manage this procurement through its Procurement Services office, located at 118 College Drive #5003, Bond Hall, Room 214, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.