Mississippi State University – Notice 256-111 (Proposed Sole‑Source Purchase)

Mississippi State University’s Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies is proposing a sole‑source purchase of two high‑end electron‑microscopy platforms to support its Community Project Funding grant. The acquisition includes a ThermoFisher Helios 5 Hydra CX DualBeam PFIB‑SEM system and a ThermoFisher Spectra 200 S/TEM system, each equipped with advanced software, detectors, and extended service agreements. The total contract value is approximately $5.19 million after a 55 % discount off list price. This opportunity is a direct procurement with no competitive bidding, designed to equip the university’s core facility for advanced materials‑characterization services. • Acquire a Helios 5 Hydra CX PFIB‑SEM with four‑ion‑species ICP‑PFIB and UC+ electron optics. • Acquire a Spectra 200 S/TEM with EMPAD‑2 pixelated detector and aberration‑corrected STEM capabilities. • Both instruments include 2‑year extended service agreements, UPS protection, and full software suites (AutoTEM 5, Auto Slice & View 5, Maps 3, Avizo). • Funding sourced from the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act CFCP grant; no explicit delivery or award dates are disclosed.