Sole Source Request to Purchase Alicat System Kits

Mississippi State University’s Additive Manufacturing Laboratory requires a specialized benchtop gas‑mixing system (Alicat MX‑ES‑SA‑BGA‑Kit and related components) to precisely control shielding gas composition for arc‑DED welding research. The university has determined that only Alicat Scientific, Inc. can supply a system with the necessary remote digital control, integrated binary gas analyzer, and real‑time data logging. The quoted price with a 5 % educational discount is $26,585.75. The purchase will enable advanced research on process‑structure‑property relationships, improve experimental flexibility, and reduce long‑term gas procurement costs. • Equipment: Alicat MX‑ES‑SA‑BGA‑Kit, mass‑flow controllers, pressure gauges, digital I/O module, cabling, and accessories. • Purpose: Provide programmable, logged shielding‑gas mixtures for wire‑arc DED welding experiments. • Sole‑source justification: No other vendor offers the required combination of remote control, integrated analyzer, and direct digital interface; Alicat sells only directly to customers. • Estimated cost: $26,585.75 (including 5 % educational discount). • Funding: University research budget (no external funding source listed). • Procurement type: Sole‑source purchase; objections must be submitted in writing to the CPPO.