9280-26-R-IFBD-00030

The University of Southern Mississippi's Office of the Director of Procurement Services is issuing a Request for Bids (RFB 26-28) for the procurement of an X-ray Diffraction (XRD) instrument and accompanying software to support Dr. Jeremy Deans' instrumentation grant for geologic materials research and student training. The complete procurement package includes a radiation-safe cabinet, copper wavelength x-ray tube, position/energy/time-sensitive detector, compact goniometer, automatic sample changer, integrated water chiller, Windows-based desktop computer, control and analysis software, in-person or web-based training, and freight costs for delivery to the Hattiesburg campus. Sealed bids must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, to Bond Hall, Room 214, 118 College Drive #5003, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with detailed specifications available through the university's procurement website (https://www.usm.edu/procurement-contract-services/current-bids-and-sole-source-notices.php) or by contacting the Procurement Services office under RFx number 3160007911. Evaluation of proposals will be based on a weighted scoring system: Cost (35 points), Requirements (60 points), and Implementation Schedule (5 points), for a total of 100 points. Vendors must respond to all specifications and functions listed in Appendix A, identify any additional components required for system completion, and confirm that all equipment represents current production of the latest design. The University reserves the right to reject any or all bids, solicit Best and Final Offers if necessary, and is not obligated to accept the lowest-priced proposal if another proposal better serves institutional interests. No bidders' conference or site visit has been specified.

The procurement documents do not identify specific set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendors currently providing XRD instrumentation to the University. Payment will be made according to the University's standard terms of 2% discount if paid within ten days, otherwise net 45 days, in compliance with Mississippi law, with the option for payment via VISA Purchasing Card without additional service fees. The contract constitutes a one-time purchase of equipment with associated training and maintenance services included. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the available procurement documents; however, interested vendors should contact Jacob Cochran, Director of Procurement and Contract Services, or the Procurement Services office for detailed specifications and pricing parameters. The procurement was advertised with publication dates of February 27, 2026, and March 6, 2026, allowing vendors adequate time to prepare comprehensive bid responses.