SOLE SOURCE REQUEST TO PURCHASE UltraFlex Power Technologies

Mississippi State University
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
267-045
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):
Make: UltraFlex Power Technologies
Model: UltraMelt TF-40
Description:
The UltraMelt TF-40 is a tilting induction melting furnace engineered to melt large volumes
of metals at high efficiency (e.g., approximately 40 lbs. of aluminum in 15 minutes). The
system features a handheld controller that enables precise, automated, and safe pouring of
molten metal into molds. Utilizing advanced induction circuitry, the TF-40 maximizes
melting throughput while minimizing energy consumption.
Make: Haskris
Model: WC-HO-46
Description:
The Haskris Chilled Cooling System features an air-cooled, closed-refrigeration circuit
optimized for water or water/glycol operations. This system is specifically engineered and
configured to support the thermal management requirements of a dual UltraMelt TF-40
furnace configuration operating at a 100% duty cycle.
Make: UltraFlex Power Technologies
Model: 2DET-016-000-TL
Description:

The spare graphite crucibles are explicitly manufactured to match the dimensions and
capacity constraints of the UltraMelt TF-40. These crucibles have a holding capacity of 13.2
lbs. for aluminum and 40 lbs. for brass. Sourcing these parts from the original manufacturer
supports the convenient replacement of worn components as they degrade over time.
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:
The proposed induction melting system will support instructional, research, and workforce
development activities as part of Mississippi State University's upcoming Metallurgical
Engineering Trade Apprenticeships and Learning (METAL) program. The system will be used
for melting and casting aluminum, brass, and other non-ferrous metals to train
undergraduate students in casting processes.
The UltraMelt TF-40 system provides several capabilities that distinguish it from alternative
gas or induction furnaces currently available on the market. The system utilizes advanced
induction heating technology to efficiently melt metal with significantly lower energy
consumption, improved process control, and enhanced operator safety. Specifically, the
UltraMelt TF-40 incorporates a remote handheld controller that allows students to
automatically tilt and pour the molten metal while standing off to the side, away from the
furnace. This safety feature is complemented by a digital control panel, also located safely
on the side of the machine, that allows the operator to monitor and control program
settings.
The requested equipment is being procured as a complete, fully integrated melting system
consisting of matched induction furnaces, cooling equipment, crucibles, and technical
support. The cooling system has been specifically sized and configured by the manufacturer
to support dual TF-40 furnaces operating at full duty cycle while maintaining required
operating conditions. The integrated nature of the system ensures its functionality and
provides a single point of contact should any issues arise.
And finally, the system provides a compact footprint, which when combined with the built-
in safety features, allows students to gain industry-relevant experience in an educational
laboratory setting. The UltraMelt TF-40 system satisfies these requirements through a
single, fully integrated solution designed specifically for casting applications.

3. Name of company/individual selling the item and why that source is the only possible
source that can provide the required item(s):
Company Name/Individual: Induction Technology Corporation / Zach Jones
(Zach_Jones@inductiontech.com)
Zach Jones is a Sales Engineer with the Induction Technology Corporation and has worked
directly with Mississippi State University to develop a system configuration that satisfies the
operational requirements of the METAL laboratory. The Induction Technology Corporation
is the sole designer and distributor of these specific induction melting systems, which
include the UltraMelt TF-40 and its components. Consequently, they are the only company
through which this setup can be purchased.
4. Estimated cost of item(s) and an explanation why the amount to be expended is
considered reasonable:
The total cost of the proposed melting system is $114,779.00, consisting of two UltraMelt
TF-40 induction melting furnaces, a chilled cooling system, four spare crucibles, and start-up
assistance and training. The quoted price also includes an educational university discount of
$8,624.00.
The proposed expenditure is considered reasonable due to the advanced functionality and
safety features of the equipment, along with its system design. Because the two furnaces
are engineered to operate simultaneously using a single chiller, this eliminates the need to
purchase two separate cooling units. This configuration prevents additional costs in
equipment acquisition, lab space, operation, and long-term maintenance. Overall,
purchasing these items together as a system reduces upfront start-up costs and secures a
single point of contact for support and service.
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:
The department evaluated alternative induction melting technologies available on the
market and obtained a competing quote totaling $155,760.10. However, the alternative
system required manual pouring by operators and exhibited longer melt times, making it

less suitable for scheduled lab times. The department worked directly with the Induction
Technology Corporation to identify a system uniquely capable of meeting the operational,
educational, safety, and spatial requirements of the METAL laboratory.
During this evaluation, particular consideration was given to furnace capacity, automated
pouring functionality, operator safety features, maintainability, and time efficiency.
Through the department's technical interactions with Induction Technology Corporation, it
was determined that alternative market options lacked the necessary safety and
performance capabilities required for this undergraduate program. Working closely with the
vendor allowed the department to negotiate a tailored system configuration that
maximized educational value while securing a significant university discount to ensure a
reasonable price point.
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.
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