9280-25-R-RFIN-00026

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has issued a Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase (RFx 3150006293) for a Green Mountain Technologies Earth Flow In-vessel composting system, specifically designed for an innovation project focused on testing and demonstrating the composting of BPI certified compostable plastics. The procurement targets a specialized composting equipment with unique capabilities, including a 21-day retention time, maintaining 40-60% moisture content, and reducing organic waste volume by 40%. USM intends to use this system to conduct field studies, demonstrate composting efficiency, and divert food and brown waste from landfills. The advertisement for this sole source procurement will be published on May 8 and May 15, 2025, with comments and objections being accepted until 8:00 a.m. Central Time on May 28, 2025. Potential vendors or interested parties are invited to submit detailed written notices to Jacob Cochran, Interim Director of Procurement & Contracts, challenging the sole source designation if they believe alternative sources exist.

The procurement appears to be open to all potential vendors, with no specific set-aside designations or restrictions mentioned in the documentation. USM has already conducted market research, meeting with multiple sales representatives and companies to evaluate composting systems before selecting the Green Mountain Technologies solution. If no alternative sources are identified during the objection period, USM will appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board to complete the sole source purchase. The university claims that Green Mountain Technologies is the sole producer of an in-vessel system meeting their specific project requirements. While no specific budget range or award value is explicitly stated in the documents, the procurement is focused on acquiring a specialized composting system for research and waste management purposes. The procurement process allows for potential vendors to contest the sole source designation, with USM prepared to withdraw the sole source request and pursue a competitive bid process if alternative sources are identified.