9280-25-R-RFIN-00019

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) through the Mississippi Polymer Institute is pursuing a sole source procurement for a CEM BLADE Microwave Digestion System, specifically designed for heavy metal content testing and industrial compostable certification requirements. The system is a unique, patented automated single mode cavity microwave digestion system with autosampler capabilities, featuring an integrated camera for real-time digestion viewing and the ability to automatically load and unload individual vessels. The procurement covers an exclusive microwave heating system manufactured by CEM Corporation, protected by multiple U.S. patents, including 4,835,354, 6,713,739, and 10,527,530. The solicitation, identified as RFx: 3150006157, is located in Greene County and allows for public comments and objections to be submitted until 8:00 a.m. Central Time on March 19, 2025. Any objections must be submitted in writing to Jacob Cochran, Interim Director of Procurement & Contracts, with detailed documentation explaining why the procurement should not be considered a sole source.

The procurement appears to be restricted to a single vendor, CEM Corporation, as the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of this specialized equipment. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned in the documentation. The system will be distributed directly through CEM employees, and the equipment is manufactured in the United States. While no specific budget range is provided, the procurement is for a specialized scientific instrument with unique technological capabilities. If no valid objections are received, USM will proceed with the sole source purchase; however, if compelling evidence is submitted demonstrating alternative sources, they will withdraw the sole source request and initiate a competitive bidding process. The final determination will be made by USM, with potential appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board if necessary to validate the single-source nature of the procurement.