Mississippi State University – Advanced Composites Institute Sole Source Purchase of CEAD AM Flexbot

Mississippi State University’s Advanced Composites Institute (ACI) is proposing a sole‑source acquisition of a CEAD B.V. AM Flexbot, a turnkey hybrid robotic large‑format 3D printing system that includes a six‑axis industrial robot, Siemens Sinumerik CNC control, an E40 pellet extrusion system (up to 130 lb/h), and an integrated CNC milling head with automatic tool change. The system is intended to provide rapid, high‑quality tooling and end‑use part production for Department of Defense programs, eliminating traditional lead‑time constraints. The university asserts that CEAD Group, Inc. is the exclusive U.S. source for this patented technology, and therefore no competitive bidding is required. The total contract value is estimated at $1.25 million, covering hardware, software, transport, installation, commissioning, training, and a fixed‑price service and maintenance agreement. Interested parties may file a sole‑source objection with the designated contact, but no deadline for objections is specified. • Turnkey system includes robot, extrusion, CNC milling, software, and full integration. • Exclusive U.S. supplier: CEAD Group, Inc.; no alternate vendors identified. • Estimated contract price: $1,253,364 covering delivery, installation, training, and ongoing support. • Intended to support DoD‑related manufacturing by providing rapid tooling capability. • Objection process directed to the university’s procurement office (contact: Jennifer Mayfield).