Two SmartFeed Pro units mounted into a SmartFeed Pro 10' standard trailer from C-Lock.

Mississippi State University
Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase
256-091
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):
Two SmartFeed Pro units mounted into a SmartFeed Pro 10' standard trailer from C-
Lock
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:
The two SmartFeed Pro units mounted into a SmartFeed Pro 10' standard trailer is a
research equipment critical to supporting beef cattle nutrition research. This equipment
will allow researchers to precisely deliver and monitor the intake of cattle in extensive
research settings (i.e. cattle on pasture). While other smartfeeders exist, as described
below, no smart feeder is mobile like the proposed equipment.
The SmartFeed Pro system's mobile capability to be mounted into a bumper-pull trailer
is what primarily distinguishes the equipment from other smart feeders. The system is
outfitted with solar panels to run the feeders, a cellular modem to transmit data in real
time, and a hydraulic system to raise and lower the trailer for transport. An additional
feature that distinguishes the SmartFeed Pro system is the powered door in front of the
feeder. This door manages cattle access to the feeder and can control intake, which is
critical in feed additive and cattle nutrition research on pasture. C-Lock is the sole
manufacturer of other mobile precision monitoring systems. All of their monitoring
systems are hosted in one data platform for ease of the end-user.
This equipment was selected for partial funding through the MSU EQUIP MAFES
competitive funding program to support beef cattle research conducted at the Brown
Loam Branch Experiment Station.

3. Name of company/individual selling the item and why that source is the only possible
source that can provide the required item(s):
C-Lock currently holds patents for specific components of the SmartFeed pro unit.
4. Estimated cost of item(s) and an explanation why the amount to be expended is
considered reasonable:
$76,300
This cost is competitive with other smart feeders and precision monitoring equipment.
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:
The department searched the internet and Bully Buy for procurement of this equipment
through existing vendors. The department spoke with C-Lock on the equipment and
received a discount on the data package
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 Services, Chief Procurement Officer
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.

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