SOLE SOURCE REQUEST TO PURCHASE Anton Paar MCR 703 MultiDrive Axial-Torsional Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) and Rheometer capable of providing viscoelastic and thermomechanical properties of a large range of specimen types: thin films, gels, powders, liquids, solids, and fiber matrices.

Location:	Mississippi
Posted:	Mar 24, 2026
Due:	Apr 7, 2026
Agency:	State Government of Mississippi
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	66 - Instruments and Laboratory Equipment
Solicitation No:	9250-26-R-RFIN-00030
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Procurement Details

Smart Number	9250-26-R-RFIN-00030	Advertised Date	03/24/2026 12:00 AM
RFx #	3150006782	Submission Date	04/07/2026 12:00 AM
RFx Status	Open	Major Procurement Category	COMMODITIES
RFx Opening Date	04/07/2026 12:00 AM	Sub Procurement Category	EQUIPMENT - TECHNOLOGY
RFx Type	Req. for Information
Agency	MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
RFx Description	SOLE SOURCE REQUEST TO PURCHASE Anton Paar MCR 703 MultiDrive Axial-Torsional Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) and Rheometer capable of providing viscoelastic and thermomechanical properties of a large range of specimen types: thin films, gels, powders, liquids, solids, and fiber matrices.

Contact Information

Name	Debra Raines	Email	draines@procurement.msstate.edu
Phone		Fax

RFx Items

PRODUCT CATEGORY	PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
49043	Lab Eqpmt-Lab & Scie

Awarded

VENDOR NAME

VENDOR NUMBER

AWARD DATE

AWARD AMOUNT

FUNDING SOURCE

Bid Attachments

Attachments
Notice

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Mississippi State University

Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase

256-073

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):

This proposal is for an Anton Paar MCR 703 MultiDrive Axial-Torsional Dynamic Mechanical

Analyzer (DMA) and Rheometer capable of providing viscoelastic and thermomechanical

properties of a large range of specimen types: thin films, gels, powders, liquids, solids, and fiber

matrices.

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:

There are 3 unique aspects of this instrument that are required by this research into

materials for nuclear facilities.

a) The simultaneous nature of the axial-torsional movement is unique to this

instrument; these two measurements are sequential on one loaded sample without

removing any parts or changing the fixtures and clamps. No other DMA permits

moving from torsion to tension in one test method on one sample loading.

Conventional DMAs and universal tests allow determination of the strength of a

material in a single dimension, such as torsion, tension, compression, or shear,

without fixture changeout. This instrument is the only one capable of combined axial

and torsional measurements within one single test and with minimal sample sizes,

curtailing the need for three separate instruments or exposing the sample to

improper conditions between testing. This replicates real-world service situations

more accurately by replicating complex, multi-directional movements and allows

determination of the endurance and performance of each material over time and

throughout conditions.

b) The range of materials for analysis is also unique; the MCR 703 is suitable to

measure ultra-low viscosity liquids (like solvents in the range of 0.5 mPas) to pure

solids like steel (over 100 GPa). In between the extremes, the samples can range in

form including liquids, powders, slurries, pastes, gels, foams, creams, melts,

crosslinked elastomers, films, fibers, discs, and bars.

c) The torque specifications for these measurements are unmatched by other

instruments. The range of materials and torque minimum for the rotational drive are

1 nNm for rotation and 0.2 nNm for oscillation. The resolution for the torque is 0.05

nNm, surpassing all others, and this resolution is needed for the minute changes in

materials used in nuclear facilities.

Materials used in nuclear filtration systems present unique characterization requirements.

Various types of materials are used as components of these systems and different process gas

treatment durability and longevity is vital to investigate for each.

3. Name of company/individual selling the item and why that source is the only possible

source that can provide the required item(s):

Anton Paar is the only company providing a simultaneous axial-torsional DMA / TMA/

rheological instrument and modularization opportunities for five functionalities with

environmental conditions (heat to 600 °C and relative humidity ranges).

4. Estimated cost of item(s) and an explanation why the amount to be expended is

considered reasonable:

Our quoted price for this item is $221,974.

The price for separate instruments performing the same analyses: The price for a DMA with

axial and torsional (though not simultaneous) fixtures could be around $128,920.00.

Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) would be $95,560.00, and $35,000 for a rheological

instrument, which would equal a sum of $259,480.00. Additionally, this DMA can perform

fatigue testing, and typical fatigue test instruments can cost $150,000. To purchase a TMA,

DMA, rheometer, and fatigue tester could be roughly $359,480.00 if purchasing separate

instruments.

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:

DMA and TMA along with rheological systems were researched for 2 years with no finding of

simultaneous axial-torsional capability. Also, 2 years of fatigue tester research was conducted.

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 & Contracts

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.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

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SOLE SOURCE REQUEST TO PURCHASE Anton Paar MCR 703 MultiDrive Axial-Torsional Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) and Rheometer capable of providing viscoelastic and thermomechanical properties of a large range of specimen types: thin films, gels, powders, liquids, solids, and fiber matrices.

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See also