9280-26-R-IFBD-00034-V01

The University of Southern Mississippi's Procurement and Contract Services is soliciting sealed bids (Bid #26-30, RFX 3160007920) for a Heater Chiller System to support the Oyster Hatchery and Research Center at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. The procurement encompasses seventeen units of aquaculture water temperature control equipment comprising three low-profile drop-in water chillers with 6,000 BTUH cooling capacity at 115V single phase, four air-cooled reversible heat pump/chiller units with identical specifications, six medium-capacity units rated at 5 tons (60,000 BTUH) with 208-240V single-phase power, two large-capacity units rated at 7.5 tons (90,000 BTUH) with 208-240V three-phase power, and two extra-large capacity units rated at 10 tons (120,000 BTUH) with 208-240V three-phase power. All equipment must be new, unused, current production models featuring titanium heat exchangers suitable for saltwater use, corrosion-resistant construction, digital temperature controllers, and integrated safety flow switches, with pricing required for low-global warming potential refrigerant systems such as R454B or approved equivalents. Bidders must submit sealed bids by Friday, March 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CDT to the Shipping and Receiving Office (Room 1-148) of the Oceanography Building, 703 E. Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564, with specifications and submission details available through the university's procurement website at https://www.usm.edu/procurement-contract-services/current-bids-and-sole-source-notices.php. Delivery is required FOB destination to the University of Southern Mississippi with full assembly where practical and advance delivery coordination mandated. Quotations may be submitted on exact materials specified or include brand name alternatives with complete specifications if unable to quote on specified items. The University reserves the right to accept or reject any part of bids and to determine product equivalency.

The bid solicitation identifies Aqua Logic Inc. as an acceptable manufacturer, though comparable quality products meeting established specifications will be considered. No set-aside designations or restrictions targeting specific enterprise categories are indicated in the available procurement documents. Payment terms are established at 2% discount if paid within ten days or net payment within 45 days in accordance with Mississippi law, with the understanding that cash terms will not serve as a basis for contract award, though cash discounts will be accepted when earned. The University of Southern Mississippi reserves the right to reject any or all bids submitted. Interested vendors should contact Millissa Weaver, Procurement Coordinator, at (228) 818-8001 for additional information regarding project requirements and submission procedures. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the available solicitation documents.