9280-27-R-IFBD-00008

The University of Southern Mississippi is requesting sealed bids for scientific and laboratory equipment for a new aquaculture research facility at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's Halstead Campus in Ocean Springs, with bids due September 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CDT.

The procurement encompasses 14 line items totaling 16 units or packages: precision laboratory balances, stirring hotplates (two sizes), filter holder vacuum manifolds, refrigerated benchtop centrifuge, analytical balances, LED plant growth chambers, heating and drying ovens, portable laboratory balance, ultra-low temperature freezer, fluorometer, and small steam sterilizers. All equipment must be new, unused, and of current production; refurbished or demonstration items are explicitly rejected. Bidders may propose equivalent products to specified manufacturers and models provided they submit complete technical documentation, detailed side-by-side comparisons to specified products, and evidence of compatibility with laboratory and aquaculture applications. The University reserves the right to determine product equivalency based on performance, durability, compatibility with existing systems, maintenance requirements, and suitability for scientific laboratory and aquaculture applications, with authority to reject substitutions that introduce operational risk or require substantial facility modifications.

Sealed bids must be delivered to the Shipping and Receiving Office (Room 1-148) of the Oceanography Building, 703 E. Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564. Incomplete quotes may be rejected as non-responsive. Bidders must quote all items and quantities as specified and provide an estimated delivery timeline with their bid submission. All shipments are FOB Destination to the University of Southern Mississippi, properly packaged to prevent transit damage, and accompanied by packaging lists and product documentation. Payment terms are 2% discount for payment within ten days or net payment within 45 days under Mississippi law; cash terms will not be used as the basis for award. Contact Millissa Weaver, Procurement Coordinator, at (228) 818-8001 or through the University's website at https://www.usm.edu/procurement-contract-services/current-bids-and-sole-source-notices.php.