9280-26-R-IFBD-00043

The University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is issuing a sealed bid solicitation (Bid #26-39, RFX #3160007989) for the procurement of bead filtration systems for the Oyster Hatchery and Research Center. The University is seeking seventeen filtration units across three categories: four high-profile bead filters (Polygeyser HPPG-10 or approved equal) with 150 GPM minimum flow capacity, one large-capacity high-profile unit (Polygeyser HPPG-25 or approved equal) with 375 GPM minimum flow capacity, and twelve endurance series filters (END4000K or approved equal) with 18 GPM minimum flow capacity. All equipment must be new, unused, and of current production, designed for recirculating aquaculture systems supporting both freshwater and marine aquatic species production, and must feature fiberglass vessel construction, pressurized bead filtration technology, and automatic or semi-automatic backwashing capability with air-assisted backwash systems. The solicitation requires fully assembled equipment delivered FOB destination to the University, along with packing lists, operating manuals, and maintenance instructions, with vendors required to coordinate delivery schedules with University personnel. Sealed bids must be submitted by April 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CDT to the Shipping and Receiving Office in the Oceanography Building at 703 E. Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564, with inquiries directed to Procurement Coordinator Millissa Weaver at (228) 818-8001. Bidders may propose alternate materials or brands if they cannot quote the exact specifications, provided they clearly indicate exceptions and supply complete documentation demonstrating equivalency in performance, design, durability, and compatibility with existing systems.

The solicitation documents do not specify set-aside designations, restrictions on respondent types, or disadvantaged enterprise requirements. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. The preferred manufacturer is listed as Aquaculture Systems Technologies (AST), though equivalent manufacturers will be considered if all specifications and performance requirements are met or exceeded. The University reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids submitted and will determine equivalency of alternate products based on technical performance and compatibility criteria. Pricing shall be quoted on an FOB University of Southern Mississippi basis with standard payment terms of 2% discount if paid within ten days or net payment due within 45 days, as required under Mississippi law; however, cash terms will not be used as a basis for contract award. No specific award value, budget range, or contract term information is provided in the available solicitation documents.