9280-27-R-RFIN-00015

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is issuing a notice of proposed sole source purchase for a two-channel GSI-Audiostar diagnostic audiometer under USM SSP 27_014 (RFx 3150007113), with written objections due by 8:00 a.m. Central Time on November 18, 2026. USM has designated the purchase as sole source under Section 31-7-13(C) of the Mississippi Code, identifying e3 Diagnostics as the only vendor offering this configuration, so interested parties who believe alternative sources exist must challenge the designation in writing.

Objections go to the Director of Procurement & Contracts at bids@usm.edu and must explain why alternative sources can supply the commodity, with supporting documentation. The notice publishes on November 3 and November 10, 2026. USM reserves the right to withdraw the sole source publication and convert the procurement to a competitive bid or selection process if objections show other sources can provide the audiometer. If the determination is challenged and upheld, the matter goes to the Public Procurement Review Board, and USM bears the burden of proving only one source exists.

The audiometer is intended for clinical and research use. Required features include free-field and extended high-frequency testing, preinstalled speech-in-noise and auditory tests (including Word in Noise, AZBio, BKB-SIN, and Quick SIN), DOD/VA testing protocols, Spanish speech lists, and TEN and ACT specialty tests. USM compared quotes from two manufacturers, found competing products priced higher and lacking the preinstalled speech and specialty tests, and deemed the GSI-Audiostar price reasonable after a 10 percent educational discount.