SOLE SOURCE REQUEST TO PURCHASE The Archer 1200

Mississippi State University
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
267-049
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):
The Archer 1200 is manufactured in US with 700 lbs. of American made steel and has been tested to
MASH, ASTM, PAS 68, and IWA14. No other product on the market meets this standard except the
Archer 1200 Barrier.
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:
This product will be a great asset for the department of Transportation during football season at
MSU and would be a huge help for blocking Stone Boulevard on football games. All major events
use Meridian because they have been proven to be the best and most effective defense system.
Below is a list of unique qualities that Meridian has to offer that others do not:
No other product on the market provides unanchored stopping power certified to US DOD and
PAS 68 standards. Unbolted units stop a vehicle traveling 30 mph within 14 feet; no other
product on the market meets this standard.
No other product on the market is rated for armor-piercing NATO ammunition up to .50 cal.
ballistic rounds.
No other barrier on the market is designed as a non-electric and non-hydraulic unit.
The Archer 1200 Barrier has easily deployable wheels that are self-contained on the barrier and
effortlessly positioned. No other product on the market has this unique characteristic.
No other product on the market can be installed as a complete barrier system with MERIDIAN's
4-foot and 10-foot Arrestor Cables.
MERIDIAN's unique, one-of-a-kind barriers can be deployed at any desired length, as unit can
be "daisy chained" together. This cannot be achieved with any other product on the market.

MERIDIAN's unique products are transported and positioned using a specially designed Drop
Deck Trailer.
A remaining unique feature of the Archer 1200 Barrier is that the unit allows for the installation
of directional or informational signage.
3. Name of company/individual selling the item and why that source is the only possible
source that can provide the required item(s):
Meridian Rapid Defense Group provides the in-field training of the equipment to
ensure the safety and effectiveness of the Archer 1200 Barrier.
4. Estimated cost of item(s) and an explanation why the amount to be expended is considered
reasonable:
$120,435.82 is the estimated cost of the Drop deck Trailer, Archer 1200 Mobile Barrier, Beam
Gate System, Archer Hauler, Certified Training, and Freight Charges.
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:
Prior to selecting Meridian Rapid Defense Group we have done extensive research and spoke
with colleagues across the country and hand downs this is the best available and most effective
for safety.
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
Interim Deputy 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.