SOLE SOURCE REQUEST TO PURCHASE Solinst Eureka Manta Multi Parameter...

Location:	Mississippi
Posted:	Mar 17, 2026
Due:	Mar 31, 2026
Agency:	State Government of Mississippi
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	66 - Instruments and Laboratory Equipment
Solicitation No:	9250-26-R-RFIN-00029
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Attachment Preview

Mississippi State University

Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase

256-071

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):

Response: Solinst Eureka Manta+ Multi Parameter Water Quality Sonde compatible expansion

sensors and communication module, including:

• Dissolved Oxygen sensor compatible with existing Manta+ sonde

• BGA PC sensor compatible with existing Manta+ sonde

• Turbidity sensor compatible with existing Manta+ sonde

• MantaMobile Bluetooth Assembly communication module

These components are manufacturer certified expansion modules designed specifically for

integration with the existing Solinst Eureka Manta+ multiparameter sonde currently owned by

the Department.

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:

Response: The Department currently owns a Solinst Eureka Manta+ multiparameter water

quality sonde equipped with temperature, conductivity, pH, CDOM, and chlorophyll-a sensors.

The proposed research requires continuous monitoring of dissolved oxygen, blue green algae

phycocyanin, and turbidity in the same integrated platform. The Manta+ sonde is a modular,

manufacturer specific instrument system. Only Solinst Eureka manufactured sensors and

communication modules are mechanically, electronically, and firmware compatible with this

sonde. Third party sensors cannot be installed due to:

• Proprietary mechanical port configuration

• Manufacturer specific electrical interface

• Firmware and internal calibration architecture

• Integrated data logging and telemetry compatibility

Therefore, Solinst Eureka expansion modules are the only components that can meet the

technical and compatibility requirements of this project.

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

source that can provide the required item(s):

Response: Solinst Eureka, LLC

2113 Wells Branch Pkwy, Suite 4400

Austin, Texas 78728

Solinst Eureka is the original manufacturer and sole authorized producer of the Manta+ sonde

and its compatible expansion sensors and communication modules. The required sensors and

MantaMobile Bluetooth Assembly are proprietary components designed exclusively for the

Manta+ system.

No other manufacturer produces compatible expansion modules for this instrument platform.

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

reasonable:

Response: Estimated total cost: $7,398

The cost is consistent with standard market pricing for manufacturer certified dissolved oxygen,

BGA phycocyanin, turbidity sensors, and telemetry modules for multiparameter sondes of this

class. Pricing was obtained directly from Solinst Eureka through an official quotation.

The amount is considered reasonable because:

• These are precision scientific instrumentation components

• They include factory calibration and certification

• They maintain compatibility with existing equipment

• They avoid the significantly higher cost of purchasing an entirely new multiparameter

sonde

Purchasing these expansion modules leverages an existing $13,000 instrument investment and

represents a cost effective solution compared to acquiring a new system.

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:

Response: The Department evaluated whether third party sensors or alternative vendors could

supply equivalent components. Due to the proprietary design of the Solinst Eureka Manta+

sonde, no other manufacturer produces mechanically and electronically compatible sensors or

communication modules for integration into this system.

Alternative vendors would require purchasing an entirely separate multiparameter sonde,

which would substantially increase project costs and create data compatibility issues.

The Department requested an updated formal quotation directly from Solinst Eureka to ensure

current pricing. The purchase is limited strictly to required expansion modules to minimize cost.

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.

Smart Number	9250-26-R-RFIN-00029	Advertised Date	03/17/2026 12:00 AM
RFx #	3150006761	Submission Date	03/31/2026 12:00 AM
RFx Status	Open	Major Procurement Category	COMMODITIES
RFx Opening Date	03/31/2026 12:00 AM	Sub Procurement Category	EQUIPMENT - TECHNOLOGY
RFx Type	Req. for Information
Agency	MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
RFx Description	SOLE SOURCE REQUEST TO PURCHASE Solinst Eureka Manta+ Multi Parameter Water Quality Sonde compatible expansion sensors and communication module

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

PRODUCT CATEGORY	PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
49043	Lab Eqpmt-Lab & Scie

SOLE SOURCE REQUEST TO PURCHASE Solinst Eureka Manta+ Multi Parameter Water Quality Sonde compatible expansion sensors and communication module

Attachment Preview

See also