9280-25-R-RFIN-00028

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is pursuing a sole source procurement for two hundred and fifty kilograms of hexafluoroglutaryl fluoride, a specialized chemical critical for custom fluoropolymer synthesis. The procurement is unique in that Exfluor is identified as the sole distributor capable of providing this chemical in the required bulk quantities. The notice was published on June 4th and June 11th, 2025, with a deadline for comments and objections set for 8:00 a.m. Central Time on June 23, 2025. Potential vendors or alternative suppliers are invited to submit detailed written objections to Jacob Cochran, Interim Director of Procurement & Contracts, if they believe they can provide an equivalent commodity. The procurement process includes a review mechanism where USM will either withdraw the sole source request and pursue competitive bidding if alternative sources are identified, or appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board to validate the sole source status if no viable alternatives are found.

There are no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types mentioned in the documents. The procurement appears to be open to potential suppliers who can demonstrate the capability to provide the specialized chemical. No incumbent vendors beyond Exfluor are identified, and no specific infrastructure or technology integration requirements are detailed. While a precise award value is not specified, the procurement involves acquiring 250 kilograms of a specialized chemical, suggesting a potentially significant financial commitment. The sole source nature of the procurement indicates that pricing will be determined by the producing company, Exfluor, without the typical competitive bidding process that would normally drive pricing considerations.