Sole Source Request to Purchase ThermoFisher Scientific Helios 5 Hydra CX DualBeam System and ThermoFisher Scientific Spectra 200 S/TEM

Mississippi State University is seeking to purchase two advanced microscopy systems, a ThermoFisher Scientific Helios 5 Hydra CX DualBeam System and a ThermoFisher Scientific Spectra 200 S/TEM, as a sole source purchase. The university has determined that these systems are the only ones that can meet their specific needs for advanced materials characterization. The systems will be used to support local manufacturers by providing researchers with powerful tools to prepare, examine, and measure materials at the atomic level. Some key features of the systems include: • Multi-Ion Species Plasma FIB • Extreme High-Resolution Optics • EMPAD-2 Detector • Mechanical & Thermal Stability • Integrated EDS System The estimated cost of the systems is $5,186,011, which is a 55.85% discount from the list price of $11,745,479.