9280-27-R-RFIN-00009

The University of Southern Mississippi is soliciting a sole-source procurement for an integrated underwater monitoring and machine-learning system for Gulf White Shrimp research at the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center, with objections to the sole-source designation due by 2:00 p.m. Central Time on September 9, 2026.

The procurement is restricted to MarineSitu as the exclusive source. The system comprises the MarineSitu C3-PoE underwater camera, Mangrove software (closed-source and proprietary to MarineSitu), SaltySuite cloud platform subscription, project-specific machine-learning models calibrated for shrimp sizing and spawning-behavior detection, an NVIDIA AGX Orin industrial control computer, cabling, and a shipping case. The machine-learning models are specified to achieve 90% accuracy for both shrimp sizing and spawning-period detection. USM justifies sole-source procurement on the grounds that the Mangrove software, SaltySuite platform, and tuned machine-learning models are proprietary and not licensed to third parties; the C3-PoE camera is required for optical geometry compatibility with the sizing model; and substituting alternative imaging hardware or software platforms would require material redevelopment, integration, training, tuning, and validation work that no competing vendor performs.

USM will establish price reasonableness through the vendor's submitted quotation and applicable university and state procurement review procedures, evaluating pricing against scope, hardware specifications, software licensing and subscription costs, machine-learning model development, integration requirements, and project deliverables. Any person or entity believing the commodity is not sole source and can be provided by another supplier must submit written objection with detailed explanations and supporting documentation to Millissa Weaver, 103 McIlwain Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, subject line "Sole Source Objection USM SSP 27_008." If objections are upheld, USM will convert the procurement to a competitive bid or selection process. If USM concludes that only one source exists, USM will appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board. RFQI number is 3150006987.