Sole Source Request for Integrated Instrumentation and Process Control System for Aquaculture

The University of Southern Mississippi
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
SSP 26_023
RFQI 3140004551
The University of Southern Mississippi anticipates purchasing the item(s) listed below as a sole
source purchase. Anyone objecting to this purchase shall follow the procedures outlined below.
1. Description of the commodity that USM is seeking to procure:
USM is seeking to procure a fully integrated Instrumentation and Process Control System
for the Oyster Hatchery and Research Facility. This system includes programmable logic
controllers (PLCs), sensors, control panels, software interfaces, and communication
networks that monitor and regulate critical water quality and life-support parameters
essential for aquaculture operations. The system will provide centralized, automated
control and real-time monitoring across the facility.
2. What efforts were made by the Agency to determine that the proposed provider is
the only entity that can provide the commodity needed?
USM evaluated the availability of comparable systems within the aquaculture and
industrial control markets. While other vendors offer general control systems, none were
identified that can provide a solution fully compatible with USM's existing InnovaSea-
installed systems. Internal technical review confirmed that InnovaSea is the original
designer and sole provider with the proprietary knowledge required to ensure seamless
integration with existing infrastructure. No alternative vendor can provide this level of
compatibility without significant system replacement or redesign.
3. What efforts were made to ensure the best possible price for the commodity was
obtained?
Pricing was evaluated against previous InnovaSea procurements for similar systems
installed at TCMAC facilities, as well as industry expectations for custom-engineered
aquaculture control systems. The quote includes design, fabrication, integration,
installation, and commissioning services, all of which were reviewed for necessity and
reasonableness. USM also worked directly with InnovaSea to ensure the scope was
limited to essential components and avoided unnecessary costs.
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The University of Southern Mississippi
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
SSP 26_023
RFQI 3140004551
4. Why is the commodity the only one that can meet the needs to the Agency?
This system must integrate seamlessly with existing control systems currently in
operation at TCMAC. InnovaSea's system is uniquely capable of providing full
compatibility with existing hardware, software, and communication protocols.
Alternative systems would require duplication or replacement of existing infrastructure,
introduce operational inefficiencies, and increase risk to sensitive aquaculture operations.
Therefore, InnovaSea's system is the only solution that meets USM's technical,
operational, and continuity requirements.
5. Why is the amount expended for the commodity reasonable?
The cost is reasonable given the highly specialized nature of aquaculture process control
systems, the custom engineering required, and the inclusion of installation and integration
services. The pricing is consistent with prior systems procured by USM and reflects
industry standards for similar turnkey control solutions. Additionally, selecting a
compatible system avoids significant additional costs associated with system
replacement, retraining, and operational inefficiencies.
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The University of Southern Mississippi
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
SSP 26_023
RFQI 3140004551
Advertisement Schedule Date
1st scheduled 4/19/2026
2nd scheduled 4/26/2026
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 by May 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM CST, to:
Millissa Weaver
103 McIlwain Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Ph: 228-818-8001
Subject Line must read "Sole Source Objection 26_023"
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, USM determines that the commodity in the
proposed sole source request can be provided by another person or entity, then USM will withdraw
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The University of Southern Mississippi
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
SSP 26_023
RFQI 3140004551
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 USM determines after review that there is only one (1) source for the required commodity, then
USM will appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board. USM will have the burden of proving
that the commodity is only provided by one (1) source.
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