Mississippi State University Sole Source Purchase of Rtec SMT‑5000 Surface Characterization System

Mississippi State University (MSU) has issued a notice proposing a sole‑source purchase of a high‑end surface‑characterization platform (SMT‑5000) from Rtec Instruments. The procurement covers the instrument, shipping, installation, on‑site training, and ancillary equipment required for operation. MSU asserts that no other vendor can supply an equivalent modular system and invites objections from any party who believes a competitive source exists. • Instrument: Rtec SMT‑5000 platform (integrated indentation, scratch testing, 3‑D optical profilometry, coating‑thickness measurement). • Cost: Approximately $98,978 for the complete system and related services. • Sole‑source justification: Unique patented modular technology; only Rtec offers the system directly with no distributors. • Objection process: Written notice to Jennifer Mayfield, CPPO, email [email protected], subject “Sole Source Objection”. • No explicit start, bid opening, or award dates are provided; only the submission deadline (Oct 1 2026).