SOLE SOURCE REQUEST TO PURCHASE Keyence VHX 7100 digital microscope with fully integrated head, vhx free-angle system with motorized z, high-resolution lens, polarizing and DIC light packages, and 3D profile software.

Mississippi State University
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
267-051
Mississippi State University anticipates purchasing the item(s) listed below as a
sole source purchase. Anyone objecting to this purchase shall follow the
procedures outlined below.
1. Commodity or commodities to be purchased (make, model, description):
Keyence VHX 7100 digital microscope with fully integrated head, vhx free-angle system with
motorized z, high-resolution lens, polarizing and DIC light packages, and 3D profile software.
2. Explanation of the need to be fulfilled by this item(s), how is it unique from all other
options, and why it is the only one that can meet the specific needs of the department:
This microscope has features needed to conduct microwear analysis-high power microscopy
to determine how ancient artifacts were used in the past. It has the combination of 2D and 3D
microscopy, with high magnification confocal image capture capabilities and the ability to
analyze 3D profiling measurements, and free-angle imaging head. These features will allow me
to see and capture the microtopography of the stone/bone artifact surface (at any angle) to
detect polishing and linear indicators and determine how an artifact was used. I will capture
images that will be used to build figures for publications (journal articles and books). Having
high magnification and 2D/3D image capture is required to conduct microwear analysis and
produce the imaging needed to report how an ancient tool was used in the past.
3. Name of company/individual selling the item and why that source is the only possible
source that can provide the required item(s):
Keyence is the only company that makes a microscope that bridges 2D and 3D microscopy
capabilities with the free-angle system.
4. Estimated cost of item(s) and an explanation why the amount to be expended is
considered reasonable:
$85,208.81

5. Explanation of the efforts taken by the department to determine this is the only source
and the efforts used to obtain the best possible price:
Over the two months I have met with 5 different microscopy companies, participated in
demonstrations with their systems, and compared equipment capabilities. Keyence has the
equipment needed to conduct microwear analysis.
Any person or entity that objects and proposes that the commodity listed is not sole source and
can be provided by another person or entity shall submit a written notice to:
Jennifer Mayfield, CPPO
Director of Procurement Services, Chief Procurement Officer
jmayfield@procurement.msstate.edu
Subject Line must read "Sole Source Objection"
The notice shall contain a detailed explanation of why the commodity is not a sole source
procurement. Appropriate documentation shall also be submitted if applicable.
If after a review of the submitted notice and documents, MSU determines that the commodity
in the proposed sole source request can be provided by another person or entity, then MSU will
withdraw the sole source request publication from the procurement portal website and submit
the procurement of the commodity to an advertised competitive bid or selection process.
If MSU determines after review that there is only one (1) source for the required commodity,
then MSU will appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board. MSU will have the burden of
proving that the commodity is only provided by one (1) source.