IFB 25-27 Computing Nodes

Jackson State University THIS IS NOT AN ORDER
Office of Purchasing & Travel
Telephone: 601-979-0978
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Bidders must comply with all rules, regulations and statutes relating to purchasing
in the State of Mississippi in addition to the requirement of this form.
Sealed bids will be received in the Office of Purchasing and Travel, Jackson State University, H.P. Jacobs Administration
Tower, 4th Floor, 1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, Mississippi for the purchase of items listed below. All bids must be
received in the Office of Purchasing and Travel before the bid opening time given below.
Delivery of bids must occur within normal JSU working hours. These are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST/CDT, except for
weekends and holidays when no delivery is possible. Additional bidding requirements and terms and conditions are
contained in Attachment 1, entitled GENERAL CONDITIONS, to this form, which requirements, terms and conditions
are incorporated herein by reference. JSU SPECIAL CONDITIONS, if any, are attached here to as Attachment 2 and
incorporated herein by reference.
PLEASE MAIL TO:
OFFICE OF PURCHASING AND TRAVEL
JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY
Bid File No. 25-27
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217
RFX # 3150006732
BIDDERS SHALL SUBMIT THEIR BIDS, EITHER, IN A SEALED ENVELOPE OR ELECTRONICALLY. SEALED
BIDS SHALL INCLUDE THE BID NUMBER ON THE FACE OF THE ENVELOPE, AS WELL AS THE NAME OF
THE BIDDER. FOR ELECTRONIC BIDS,
https://portal.magic.ms.gov/ .
Electronic submissions may be submitted on the Mississippi
D epartment of Finance MAGIC portal Please state your company's
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Purchasing & Travel, Jackson State University, 1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39217.
ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS BID SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO Kimberly R. Harris at
kimberly.r.harris@jsums.edu, 601-979-0978.
INVITATION for Bids Issue Date: February 25, 2026
First Publication February 25, 2026
Second Publication March 4, 2026
Prospective respondents written inquiries deadline March 4, 2026
Responses to inquiries posted March 11, 2026
Bidder Submission Deadline March 18, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
Opening Date and Time March 18, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
Intent to Award (anticipated) April 1, 2026
Submission date to obtain approval in MAGIC (if April 15, 2026 (anticipated)
pending cost goes over $500,000 then approval is
required by Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)

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Jackson State University
Bid No. 25-27
Item Description Qty Unit Cost Total Cost
1. GPU-accelerated High-Performance Computing (HPC) 5
Workstation
Each of the five (5) workstations must meet or exceed the following
specifications:
1. Processor (CPU)
* Dual-socket architecture (2 processors)
* Latest generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors (Sapphire Rapids or
newer), or equivalent
* Minimum total physical cores (combined): 64 cores (Preferred 72
cores)
* Base frequency 2.0 GHz
* Support for AVX-512 instructions
* High L3 cache capacity ( 150 MB per CPU preferred)
* Designed for sustained HPC workloads
Processors must be enterprise/server-grade and not consumer-class
CPUs.
2. System Memory (RAM)
* Minimum: 768 GB DDR5 ECC Registered memory
* Preferred: 1024 GB (1 TB) DDR5 ECC Registered memory
* Fully populated memory channels for maximum bandwidth
* Memory speed 4800 MT/s (5600 MT/s preferred if supported)
Non-ECC memory is not acceptable.
3. GPU Accelerator
* 1 x Professional NVIDIA GPU accelerator
* Minimum VRAM: 80 GB ECC
* CUDA-compatible
* PCIe x16 interface (Gen4 or Gen5)
* Designed for scientific computing (workstation/datacenter class)
Examples of acceptable class:
* NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 (96GB)
* NVIDIA H100 80GB
* Equivalent professional accelerator
Consumer gaming GPUs will not be accepted.
4. Storage
Primary Drive (OS & Applications)
* NVMe SSD (Gen4 or Gen5)
* Capacity 2 TB (4 TB preferred)

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Dedicated Scratch Drive (Computational Data)
* NVMe SSD (Gen4 or Gen5)
* Capacity 2 TB
* High sustained write performance
Data Storage
* Enterprise-class HDD
* Capacity 8 TB
7200 RPM minimum
5. Power Supply
* Minimum 1600W
* Preferred: 2000W redundant power supplies
* Platinum or Titanium efficiency
Sufficient headroom for full CPU + GPU sustained load
6. Networking
* Integrated 10GbE Ethernet
* Additional 1GbE management port preferred
7. Platform Requirements
* Dual-socket server/workstation motherboard
* PCIe 5.0 support preferred
* Remote management capability (IPMI or equivalent preferred)
* Adequate cooling for sustained 100% CPU + GPU load
8. Operating System
Linux Ubuntu Desktop Edition -Latest compatible 64-Bit
version
Vendor Name Authorized Signature: Terms
Vendor Address Print Name Bid Required to be FOB
Destination
Telephone No Company Bid No. Method of Shipment
Date Offer Firm for ____ Days Delivery can be made in ___ Days

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General Bid Conditions
Updated 05/02/2022
Bidders must comply with all rules, regulations, and statutes relating to purchasing in the State of Mississippi
as well as the requirements contained herein.
All bids submitted must follow the conditions outlined next. All vendors are responsible for reading,
understanding and agreeing to these conditions when submitting a bid for that bid to be considered
responsive.
1. PREPARATION OF BIDS
1.1 Failure to examine any aspects of the Invitation for Bids documentation will be at bidder's risk.
1.2 All prices and notations must be printed in ink or typewritten. No erasures permitted.
1.3 Errors may be crossed out and corrections printed in ink or typewritten adjacent to the error,
and must be initialed in ink by person signing bid.
1.4 Pricing must be quoted on a "per unit" basis, extended as indicated. Any trade discounts
included must be itemized and deducted from extended prices. Bidder guarantees product or
service offered will meet or exceed specifications included as part of this Invitation for Bids. Bid
prices must be net. In case of error in the extension of prices in the bid, the unit price will govern.
No bid shall be altered or amended after the specified time of the bid closing.
1.5 Brand Names: Any reference to brand names in the Invitation for Bids is descriptive but not
restrictive unless otherwise stated. Bids on equivalent items meeting the standards of quality
thereby indicated will be considered, unless otherwise specified, providing the bid clearly describes
the article and how it differs from the referenced brands. If equipment or supplies of another brand
or of other construction than specified herein is offered by the bidder, such bidder shall set forth in
their bid a detailed statement indicating wherein each item offered deviates from these
specifications. Unless the bidder specifies otherwise in their bid, it is understood that the bidder is
offering a referenced brand item as specified in the Invitation for Bids. Jackson State University
reserves the right the determine whether a substitute offer is equivalent to and meets the standard
of quality indicated by the brand name referenced, and JSU may require a bidder offering a
substitute to supply additional descriptive material and a sample. When merchandise received
from a successful bidder is not considered an equal by the requisitioner, it will be returned to the
vendor, shipping charges collect.
1.6 Specification: It is understood that reference to available specifications shall be sufficient to
make the terms of such specifications binding on the vendor.
1.7 Bidders must provide all INVITATION requested on the bid form. Also, as may be applicable,
bidders must submit for evaluation sketches, models, technical specifications, and descriptive

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literature covering the product offered. Reference to any materials submitted for a non-related bid
will not be considered.
1.7.1 Samples of items, when called for, must be furnished free of cost, and if not destroyed in
testing, will upon request, be returned at the bidder's expense. Request for the return of
samples must be made within ten (10) days following the opening bids. Each individual
sample must be labeled with bidder's name, manufacturer's brand name and number and
bid number.
1.7.2 Expense Incurred in Preparing Bid: JSU accepts no responsibility for expense incurred by the
bidder in preparation and presentation of a bid.
1.8 All vendor communications regarding the bid must be directed to the email and phone number
listed on the Invitation for Bids document. Unauthorized contact may result in the bidder's
disqualification.
1.9 Time of Performance: The number of calendar days in which delivery will be made after receipt
of purchase order shall be stated in the bid. Bid should show number of days required to place
material in receiver's designated location under normal conditions. Failure to state delivery time
obligates supplier to complete delivery in 14 calendar days from receipt of purchase order.
Unrealistically short or long delivery promises may cause bid to be disregarded. If delay is foreseen,
supplier shall give written notice to JSU. JSU has the right to extend delivery date if reasons appear
valid. Default in promised delivery (without accepted reasons) or failure to meet specifications
authorizes JSU to purchase supplies elsewhere and charge full increase, if any, in cost and handling
to defaulting supplier. No substitutions or cancellation permitted without written approval of the
JSU Office of Purchasing and Travel. Delivery shall be made during normal working hours only,
unless prior approval for delivery at other times has been obtained from JSU.
2. SUBMISSION OF BIDS
2.1 Bids must be signed and sealed with bidder's name and address on the outside of envelope,
and the time and date of the bid opening and the RFX number shown on the outside of the
envelope. Bids submitted by fax or email are not accepted.
2.2 Any modification or correction to bids received after the closing time will not be considered.
2.3 Only bids submitted on bid forms furnished by JSU or copies thereof, or bids submitted via
MAGIC, will be considered.
2.4 Bids shall be submitted 'FOB Destination'. Bids not submitted with this shipping method will not
be considered.
2.5 Unless otherwise specified, the bidder shall define any warranty service and replacements that
will be provided. Bidders must explain, as necessary, on an attached sheet to what extent warranty
and service facilities are provided.
3. ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS
JSU reserves the right to accept or reject all or any part of any bid, waive minor technicalities and
award the bid to best serve the interests of the State. If a bidder fails to state the time within which a
bid must be accepted, JSU shall have 90 days from bid opening date to accept.
4. DISCOUNT PERIOD
Time in connection with discount offered will be computed from date of delivery at destination, or
from the date correct invoices are received, if the latter date is later than the date of delivery. Cash
discounts will not be considered in the award process.

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5. AWARD
5.1 A response to an IFB is an offer to contract with JSU based upon the terms, conditions and
specifications contained in the IFB. Bids do not become contracts until they are accepted and an
authorized purchase order is issued. The contract shall be governed, construed and interpreted
under the laws of the State of Mississippi excluding its choice of law provisions. Contracts and
purchases will be made or entered into with the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications,
except as otherwise specified in the IFB. Where more than one item is specified in the IFB, JSU
reserves the right to determine the low bidder either on the basis of the individual items or on the
basis of all items included in the IFB.
5.2 Unless the bidder specified otherwise in the bid, JSU may accept any item or group of items of any
kind. JSU reserves the right to modify or cancel in whole or in part it's Invitations for Bids.
5.3 A written purchase order or contract award furnished to the successful bidder within the time
of acceptance specified in the IFB results in a binding contract without further action by either
party and without modification of JSU's terms and conditions. The contract shall not be assignable
by the vendor in whole or in part without the written consent of Jackson State University.
6. INSPECTION
Final inspection and acceptance or rejection may be made at the delivery destination, but all materials
and workmanship shall be subject to inspection and test at all times and places, when practicable.
During manufacture, the right is reserved to reject articles which contain defective material and
workmanship. Rejected material shall be removed by and at the expense of the vendor promptly after
notification or rejection. Final inspection and acceptance or rejection of the materials or supplies shall
be made as promptly as practicable but failure to inspect and accept or reject shall not impose liability
on the State of Mississippi or any subdivision thereof as such materials or supplies are not in
accordance with the specification. In the event necessity requires the use of materials not conforming
to the specification, payment therefore may be made at a proper reduction in price. All goods will be
subject to inspection and testing by JSU to the extent practicable at all times and places. Authorized
JSU personnel shall have access to any supplier's place of business for the purpose of inspecting
merchandise. Tests shall be performed on samples submitted with the bid or on samples taken from
regular shipment. In the event products tested fail to meet or exceed all conditions and requirements
of the specifications, the cost of the sample used and the cost of the testing shall be borne by the
supplier. Goods which have been delivered and rejected in whole or in part may at JSU's option, be
returned to the supplier or held for disposition at the vendor's risk and expense. Latent defects may
result in revocation of acceptance.
7. TAXES
Jackson State University is exempt from Federal excise taxes and state sales or use taxes and bidders
must quote prices which do not include such taxes. Exemption certificates will be furnished upon
request. Vendors making improvements to, additions to or repair work on real property on behalf of
JSU are liable for any applicable sale and use tax on purchase of tangible personal property for use in
connection with the work. Vendors are likewise liable for any applicable use tax on tangible personal
property furnished to them by JSU for use in connection with their contracts.

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8. GIFTS, REBATES, GRATUITIES
8.1 Acceptance of gifts from vendors is prohibited. No officer or employee of the Office of
Purchasing and Travel, nor any head of any state department, institution or agency, nor any
employee of any state department, institution or agency charged with initiating requisitions, shall
accept or receive, directly or indirectly, from any person, firm or corporation to whom any contract
for the purchase of materials, supplies or equipment for the State of Mississippi may be awarded
by rebate, gifts, or otherwise, any money or anything of value whatsoever, or any promise,
obligation or contract for future rewards or compensation.
8.2 Bidding by state employees is prohibited. It is unlawful for any state official or employee to bid
on, or sell, or offer for sale, any merchandise, equipment or materials, or similar commodity to the
State of Mississippi during the tenure of their office or employment, or for the period prescribed by
law thereafter, or to have any interest in the selling of the same to the State.
9. BID INVITATION
Bid files may be examined during normal working hours by bid participants. Nonparticipants will be
prohibited from obtaining any INVITATION relative to the bid until after the official award has been
made.
10. CONDITIONS
Should a conflict exist between the General Conditions and any Special Conditions, the Special
Conditions shall prevail if applicable.
11. WAIVER
The Office of Purchasing and Travel reserves the right to waive any General Condition, Special
Condition, or minor deviation from specifications when considered to be in the best interest of JSU, so
long as such waiver is not given so as to deliberately favor any single vendor and would have the same
effect on all vendors.
12. CANCELLATION
Any Contract or item awarded may be canceled for cause by either party with the giving of 30 days
written notice of intent to cancel. Cause for JSU to cancel shall include, but is not limited to,
convenience; cost exceeding current market prices for comparable purchase; request for increase in
prices during the Contract period; or failure to perform to Contract conditions. The vendor will be
required to honor all purchase orders that were prepared and dated prior to the expiration or
cancellation if received by the vendor within a period of 30 days following the date of expiration or
cancellation. Cancellation by JSU does not relieve the vendor of any liability arising out of a default or
nonperformance. Cause for the vendor to cancel shall include, but is not limited to, the item(s) being
discontinued and unavailable from the manufacturer.
13. SUBSTITUTIONS DURING CONTRACT
During the term of a contract if adequate documentation is provided that supports the claim that the
contract item(s) are not available, then items which meet the minimum specifications may be
substituted if approved by JSU.

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14. APPLICATION
14.1 It is understood and agreed by the vendor that this contract is entered into solely for the
convenience of Jackson State University and all purchases made by JSU for products
included under the provisions of this contract shall be purchased from the vendor receiving the
award unless exempt by special authorization from JSU. JSU employees have acted exclusively as
employees of JSU for the award, consummation, administration and all other matters related to
this contract and are not liable for any performance or nonperformance by JSU.
14.2 The vendor agrees to protect JSU from claims involving infringement of patents or
copyrights.
14.3 Any terms and conditions attached to the IFB response will not be considered unless the
bidder specifically refers to them on the front of the bid form. Warning: Such terms and conditions
may result in disqualification of the bid.
14.4 Vendor hereby assigns to JSU any and all claims for overcharges associated with this
contract which arise under the antitrust laws of the United States 15 U.S.C.A. Section 1, et seq.
(1973), and which arise under the antitrust laws of the State of Mississippi.
14.5 INVITATION, documentation, and other material in connection with this IFB or any
resulting contract may be subject to public disclosure pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records
Act.
14.6 Signing this bid with a false statement is a material violation and shall void the
submitted bid or any resulting contracts, and the bidder shall be removed from all bid lists. By
signature hereon affixed, the bidder hereby certifies that:
14.6.1 The bidder has not given, offered to give, no intends to give at any time hereafter economic
opportunity, future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, special discount, trip, favor, or service
to a public servant in connection with the submitted bid.
14.6.2 The bidder is not currently delinquent in the payment of franchise tax owed the State of
Mississippi.
14.6.3 The bidder certifies that the individual or business entity name listed in the bid is not
ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that this contract may be
terminated and/or payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate. Neither the bidder
nor the firm, corporation, partnership or institution represented by the bidder, or anyone
acting for such firm, has violated the antitrust laws of this State, or the Federal Antitrust
Laws, nor communicated directly or indirectly the bid made to any competitor or any other
person engaged in such line of business.
14.6.4 The bidder has not received compensation for participation in the preparation of the
specifications for this IFB.
14.6.5 The vendor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the State of Mississippi and all its
officers, agents and employees from and against all claims, actions, suits, demands,
proceedings costs, damages and liabilities, from any acts or omissions of supplier or any
agent, employee, subcontractor, or supplier of supplier in the execution or performance of
the purchase order resulting from the IFB award.
15. ADDENDA
Addenda modifying plans and/or specifications may be issued if time permits. Should it become
necessary to issue an addendum with the three-day period prior to the bid opening, the bid date will
be reset giving bidders ample time to answer the addendum. When replying to a bid request on which
an addendum has been issued, the bid shall indicate that provisions of the addendum have been noted

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and that the bid is being offered in compliance therewith. Failure to make this statement may result in
the bid's disqualification as not being in accordance with the revised specifications.
16. ALTERNATE BIDS
Alternate bids unless specifically requested will not be considered. An alternate is considered to be a
bid that does not comply with the minimum provisions of the specification.
17. SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION
Inquiries pertaining to IFBs must include the RFX number and opening date. It shall be incumbent upon
all bidders to understand the provisions of the specification and to obtain clarification from the IFB
contact prior to the bid closing date. Such clarification will only be answered in a response to a written
request. No clarification will be offered as a response to a telephone request.
18. BID OPENINGS
Bid openings will be conducted as a public meeting. They will serve to open, read and tabulate the bid
price on each bid. No discussion will be entered into with any vendor as to the quality or provisions of
the specifications and no award will be made either stated or implied at the bid opening.
19. PAYMENT
Supplier shall submit one copy of an itemized invoice showing order number and JSU purchase order
number. JSU will incur no penalty for late payment if payment is made in 45 days or fewer from receipt
of the goods or services and an uncontested invoice.
20. FIRM BID PRICE
Prices quoted shall be firm for the term of the contract except that Jackson State University shall
receive the benefit of any price decrease in excess of five percent (5). Vendor must provide written
price reduction INVITATION within ten (10) days of its effective date.
21. LIABILITY
Vendor shall hold Jackson State University, its officers, agents, and employees harmless against claims
by third parties resulting from vendor's breach of this contract or vendor's negligence.
22. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
It is expressly understood and agreed that the obligation of JSU to proceed under this contract is
conditioned upon the appropriation of funds by the Mississippi State Legislature and the receipt of
state and/or federal funds. If the funds anticipated for the continuing fulfillment of the contract are, at
any time, not forthcoming or insufficient, either through the failure of the federal government to
provide funds or of the State of Mississippi to appropriate funds or the discontinuance or material
alteration of the program under which funds were provided or if funds are not otherwise available to
JSU, JSU shall have the right up ten (10) working days written notice to Contractor, to terminate this
contract without damage, penalty, cost or expenses to JSU of any kind whatsoever. The effective date
of termination shall be as specified in the notice of termination.
23. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
23.1 This purchase will be subject to the provisions of Executive Order 11246 if it is not
otherwise exempt. Except in contracts exempted in accordance with Section 204 of the Executive

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Order 11246, As Amended, all Government contracting agencies shall include in every Government
contract hereafter entered into the following provisions. During the performance of this contract,
the vendor agrees to the following:
23.1.1 The vendor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because
of race, religion, gender, or national origin. The vendor will take affirmative action to ensure
that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment without
regard to their race, religion, gender or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be
limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or
recruitment advertising, layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation;
and selection for training, including apprenticeship. The vendor agrees to post in
conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be
provided to the contracting officer setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination
clause.
23.1.2 The vendor will, in all solicitations or advancements for employees placed by or on behalf of
the vendor, state that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to race, religion, gender or national origin.
23.1.3 The vendor will send to each labor union or representative of workers with which they have
a collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding, a notice, to be
provided by the agency contracting officer, advising the labor union or workers'
representative of the vendor's commitments under Section 202 of Executive Order No.
11246 of September 24, 1965, and shall post copies of the notice in conspicuous places
available to employees and applicants for employment.
23.1.4 The vendor shall comply with all provisions of Executive Order No. 11246 of the September
24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
23.1.5 The vendor will furnish all INVITATION and reports required by Executive Order No. 11246,
and by the rules, regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant thereto, and
will permit access to their books, records and accounts by JSU and the Secretary of Labor for
the purposes of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, regulations and
orders.
23.1.6 In the event of the vendor's noncompliance with the nondiscrimination clauses of this
contract or with any of such rules, regulations or orders, this contract may be cancelled,
terminated or suspended in whole or in part and the vendor may be declared ineligible for
further Government contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in Executive Order
No. 11246 or as otherwise provided by law.
23.1.7 The vendor will include provisions of paragraphs (1) through (7) in every subcontract or
purchase order unless exempted by rules, regulations, or orders of the Secretary of Labor
issued pursuant to Section 204 of Executive Order No. 11246 so that such provisions will be
binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. The contractor will take such action with
respect to any subcontract or purchase order as may be directed by the Secretary of Labor
as a means of enforcing such provisions including sanctions for noncompliance, provided,
however, that in the event the contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with,
litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as a result of such direction, the contractor may
request the United States to enter into such litigation to protect the interests of the United
States. [Sec. 202 amended by EO 11375 of Oct. 13, 1967, 32 FR 14303, 3 CFR, 1966-1970
Comp., p. 684, EO 12086 of Oct. 5, 1978, 43 FR 46501, 3 CFR, 1978, Comp., p. 230]