Sole source request to purchase precision spreading and sliding calipers

Mississippi State University
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
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):
Small Instrument Bag containing Models 104 and 106 - precision spreading and sliding
calipers
Model 218 Mandibulometer with protractor (improved execution, black type)
Model 216 Orbitometer
These instruments are designed for the collection of standardized cranial,
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mandibular, and skeletal measurements used in forensic anthropology. The
quoted quantities are one of each instrument/set.

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:
These instruments are required for forensic anthropological examination of
human skeletal remains, including the collection of standardized osteometric
measurements used in biological profile estimation, case documentation,
comparison, and other analyses for forensic and research purposes.
The SERITEX instruments are specifically designed and manufactured for
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anthropometric and osteometric applications. The Model 216
Orbitometer and Model 218 Mandibulometer are specialized instruments
for collecting measurements of the eye orbit and mandible, respectively,
and equivalent instruments meeting the department's forensic casework
requirements are not available from other manufacturers.
Although general-purpose spreading and sliding calipers are
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commercially available, the SERITEX Models 104 and 106 are precision
anthropometric instruments specifically manufactured for standardized
skeletal measurement. The accuracy, repeatability, construction, and
measurement characteristics of these instruments are necessary for
forensic casework in which measurements may form part of an official
forensic anthropology report and may ultimately be subject to peer
review, legal discovery, or expert-witness testimony. Moreover, these
instruments are the gold standard for osteological research and practice.
3. Name of company/individual selling the item and why that source is the only possible
source that can provide the required item(s):
SERITEX Inc., Branchburg, New Jersey
SERITEX Inc. is the source for the specified GPM anthropometric instruments.
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The Model 216 Orbitometer and Model 218 Mandibulometer are
proprietary/specialized GPM instruments available from SERITEX and are not
available from alternative manufacturers in equivalent configurations.
The spreading and sliding calipers included in Models 104 and 106 are
likewise SERITEX precision anthropometric instruments selected
because their specifications and construction meet the measurement
accuracy and reproducibility requirements of the department's
forensic anthropology casework. Accordingly, SERITEX is the only
source capable of supplying the complete set of required instruments
with the necessary specifications.

4. Estimated cost of item(s) and an explanation why the amount to be expended is
considered reasonable:
Total estimated cost is $6,732.00 (quote valid for 60 days), consisting of:
Models 104 and 106 instrument set/bag: $2,999.00
o
Model 218 Mandibulometer with protractor: $3,199.00
o
Model 216 Orbitometer: $469.00
o
UPS Ground freight: $65.00
o
The cost is considered reasonable because these are specialized, precision
instruments intended for professional anthropometric and forensic applications
rather than general-purpose measuring tools. The instruments are durable
equipment expected to be used repeatedly for forensic casework, research, and
associated professional activities over many years. Their precision and
reproducibility are particularly important because measurements collected with
these instruments may contribute to forensic conclusions reported to medicolegal
and law-enforcement agencies and may be subject to scrutiny during expert-witness
testimony.
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 reviewed available instruments capable of collecting the specialized
skeletal measurements required for forensic anthropological casework. This review
included consideration of commercially available anthropometric and general-
purpose measurement instruments.
The review determined that the Model 216 Orbitometer and Model 218
Mandibulometer are specialized instruments available through SERITEX for which
equivalent instruments meeting the department's requirements could not be
identified from another source. Alternative general-purpose spreading and sliding
calipers were also considered; however, these products do not provide the same
combination of anthropometric design, precision, reproducibility, and suitability for
standardized forensic skeletal measurements as the SERITEX Models 104 and 106.
Because these instruments will be used in medicolegal forensic casework and
measurements may contribute to conclusions contained in official reports or expert
testimony, selection was based on measurement reliability and fitness for forensic
use rather than price alone.
A formal quote was obtained directly from SERITEX Inc. to establish current pricing
and shipping costs. Estimate No. 1738, dated August 17, 2026, provides a total cost
of $6,732.00 and is valid for 60 days.
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.
.