Sole Source Request to Purchase Manufacturer upgrade to add AutoStage hardware module to bench‑top indentation plastometer for automated property testing for materials characterization

Mississippi State University’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) seeks a sole‑source purchase of a hardware upgrade (AutoStage module) for its bench‑top indentation plastometer (produced by Plastometrex). The upgrade will automate sample positioning and enable high‑throughput, high‑temperature material property testing, supporting multiple Department of Defense research projects that require large volumes of testing data for AI/ML‑driven materials design. Plastometrex is the exclusive vendor due to a patented system architecture. The quoted cost after academic discount is $37,909 (original $58,918). • Upgrade adds automated “AutoStage” capability to existing Plastometrex indentation plastometer. • Enables rapid, high‑temperature, low‑material‑consumption testing of many samples. • Supports DoD‑funded research needing large datasets for AI/ML modeling. • Only vendor: Plastometrex (UK) – patented technology, no alternative sources. • Estimated purchase price: $37,909 (discounted). • Sole‑source justification required; objections must be submitted to the Director of Procurement.