9280-25-R-RFIN-00027

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is pursuing a sole source procurement for a gentleMACS Dissociator, a specialized scientific instrument designed for automated tissue dissociation and pathogen isolation. The procurement, identified as RFx 3150006313 and SSP 25_022, seeks to acquire a unique piece of laboratory equipment valued at $7,210.00. The gentleMACS Dissociator is specifically capable of obtaining single-cell and single-nucleus suspensions while preserving intact pathogens during research processes. USM has determined this equipment is the only product that can fulfill their precise laboratory requirements, after consulting online resources like Fisher Scientific to verify its uniqueness. The procurement notice was posted on May 23, 2025, with a formal deadline for comments and objections set for June 11, 2025, at 8:00 AM Central Time. Potential vendors have an opportunity to challenge the sole source designation during this period, with the university prepared to either proceed with the purchase or seek validation from the Public Procurement Review Board if no successful objections are filed.

The procurement appears to be open to all qualified vendors, with no specific set-aside designations or restrictions mentioned in the documentation. No incumbent vendors or existing technology integration requirements are explicitly stated in the available materials. The budget for this procurement is precisely defined at $7,210.00, representing a targeted, specific acquisition for specialized scientific research equipment. The sole source nature of the procurement suggests that USM has conducted thorough market research to confirm the unique capabilities of the gentleMACS Dissociator. The university will follow standard Mississippi state procurement protocols, including the potential review process outlined in Section 31-7-13 (C) of the Mississippi Code. If no valid objections are submitted, USM anticipates completing the purchase through a direct procurement process. The advertisement for this opportunity will appear on two dates: May 23, 2025, and May 30, 2025, providing multiple opportunities for potential vendors to review and potentially challenge the sole source designation.