9280-27-R-RFIN-00002

The University of Southern Mississippi School of Ocean Science & Engineering is issuing a Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase for SeaSonde antenna repair services under RFx 3150006944, with the objection period closing at 8:00 a.m. Central Time on August 13, 2026. This is a sole-source procurement; objections to the sole-source designation must be submitted in writing to Jacob Cochran, Director of Procurement & Contracts, at bids@usm.edu or 601-266-4131 by the deadline.

USM operates eight HFR base stations along the Gulf Coast from Destin, Florida to Port Fourchon, Louisiana as part of the Gulf Consortium's surface current monitoring network. Lightning damage to SeaSonde antennas has triggered the need for specialized replacement components, including an antenna board, dome antenna top cover, delrin outer flange, antenna holder backing ring, and two antenna whips. CODAR Ocean Sensors, Ltd., located in Mountain View, California, is identified as the sole capable source. The manufacturer asserts that replacement antennas must be constructed and tuned identically to original CODAR components to maintain system integrity, ensure accurate automated monitoring and diagnostics functions, and prevent damage to electronics; non-compatible substitutions would render diagnostic measurements unreliable and compromise automated diagnostic capabilities.

The procurement is funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Texas A&M University. The scope is governed by CODAR Quote ID RMA2645-Q1. If USM receives objections challenging sole-source status, the university will review submissions; if it determines alternative sources exist, it will withdraw the sole-source request and issue a competitive RFP. If USM affirms sole-source justification, it will appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board, bearing the burden of proof that only CODAR can provide the required services.