SSP 26_023Instrumentation and Process Control System for the Oyster Hatchery and Research Facility

Description

The University of Southern Mississippi Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase SSP 26_023 RFQI 3140004551 The University of Southern Mississippi anticipates purchasing the item(s) listed below as a sole source purchase. Anyone objecting to this purchase shall follow the procedures outlined below. 1. Description of the commodity that USM is seeking to procure: USM is seeking to procure a fully integrated Instrumentation and Process Control System for the Oyster Hatchery and Research Facility. This system includes programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, control panels, software interfaces, and communication networks that monitor and regulate critical water quality and life-support parameters essential for aquaculture operations. The system will provide centralized, automated control and real-time monitoring across the facility. 2. What efforts were made by the Agency to determine that the proposed provider is the only entity that can provide the commodity needed? USM evaluated the availability of comparable systems within the aquaculture and industrial control markets. While other vendors offer general control systems, none were identified that can provide a solution fully compatible with USM’s existing InnovaSeainstalled systems. Internal technical review confirmed that InnovaSea is the original designer and sole provider with the proprietary knowledge required to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure. No alternative vendor can provide this level of compatibility without significant system replacement or redesign. 3. What efforts were made to ensure the best possible price for the commodity was obtained? Pricing was evaluated against previous InnovaSea procurements for similar systems installed at TCMAC facilities, as well as industry expectations for custom-engineered aquaculture control systems. The quote includes design, fabrication, integration, installation, and commissioning services, all of which were reviewed for necessity and reasonableness. USM also worked directly with InnovaSea to ensure the scope was limited to essential components and avoided unnecessary costs. 1 The University of Southern Mississippi Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase SSP 26_023 RFQI 3140004551 4. Why is the commodity the only one that can meet the needs to the Agency? This system must integrate seamlessly with existing control systems currently in operation at TCMAC.