Sole Source Request to Purchase Rain Bird VFD Pump Station

Mississippi State University is seeking a sole‑source purchase of a Rain Bird VFD pump station to provide on‑demand irrigation for its 120‑acre golf course. The existing pump station is aging, and the Rain Bird model is the only one that integrates with the campus’s Rain Bird Cirrus Pro control system, preserving the manufacturer’s warranty. The Keeling Company is the exclusive Rain Bird distributor in Mississippi, making it the only viable supplier. The estimated cost is $200,692.99, deemed reasonable compared with similar installations. • Item: Rain Bird VFD pump station (irrigation pump station) • Purpose: Replace aging pump, enable demand‑driven irrigation for 120‑acre golf course • Unique requirement: Must integrate with existing Rain Bird Cirrus Pro system; only available through The Keeling Company in MS • Estimated cost: $200,692.99 • Procurement method: Sole source (no competitive bid) • Submission deadline: 2024‑03‑12 • Contact for questions/objections: Debra Raines (procurement) and Jennifer Mayfield for formal objections.