9280-26-R-RFQI-00008

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), operating through its Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC), is seeking to procure a LiqoFlux LF2AL15 automated ultrafiltration and algae dewatering system under a Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase (RFQI 3140004553). This procurement is for specialized equipment designed to support aquaculture hatchery operations at the newly constructed Oyster Hatchery and Research Center (OHRC) at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Cedar Point Campus in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The system will concentrate microalgae cultures, recover and recycle process water through proprietary ultrafiltration membrane technology, and provide consistent production of high-quality algal feed essential for larval survival rates, biosecurity, and operational sustainability. The LiqoFlux LF2AL15 is distinguished by its proprietary LiqoCap ultrafiltration membrane technology engineered specifically for microalgae separation, integrated closed-loop water recovery and reuse system, real-time process automation and controls, low-shear algae-specific processing design, modular scalability, and turnkey aquaculture application integration. USM evaluated alternative technologies including centrifugation systems, belt filters, and non-specialized membrane filtration units but determined that none provide the equivalent integrated functionality, with alternatives requiring multiple vendors and resulting in increased system complexity, higher installation and maintenance costs, and greater operational risk. The comment and objection period for this sole source designation extends until 2:00 p.m. Central Time on May 14, 2026, with written objections and supporting documentation to be submitted to Millissa Weaver at 103 McIlwain Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, or by telephone at 228-818-8001.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting respondent eligibility are detailed in the available procurement documents. The procurement is designated as a sole source purchase under Mississippi Code Section 31-7-13(C), meaning the University of Southern Mississippi has determined that only LiqoFlux can provide the specified integrated system based on comprehensive market research and vendor evaluation. If objections are received during the comment period and USM determines that alternative sources can provide equivalent capability, the procurement will be converted to an advertised competitive bid or selection process; conversely, if USM maintains sole source status, the matter will be appealed to the Public Procurement Review Board. No current incumbent vendors or contractors are identified in the procurement documents, and no specific contract award value or budget range is disclosed. USM has determined the pricing to be fair and reasonable based on the system's specialized engineering, proprietary membrane technology, integrated automation features, and its consolidation of multiple process steps into a single unit, which reduces long-term operational costs compared to multi-component alternatives.