Hydraulic actuators are needed to conduct structural testing in the High Bay Structures Laboratory for research and teaching purposes. Hydraulic actuators apply force or displacement to a structure under test. Hydraulic actuators apply loads in static, dynamic, and fatigue applications to simulate the forces or displacements imposed on a structure.

Hydraulic service manifolds (HSMs) are needed to provide hydraulic isolation between the hydraulic power unit (HPU) and the test system. HSMs enable smooth transitions of hydraulic pressure to enhance safety and increase control of the hydraulic system during testing. Hydraulic distribution manifolds (HDM) are needed to separate the flow to individual actuators.

A digital universal controller (DUC), application software, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) are needed to define and automate complex structural tests and to acquire, store, and organize electronic data from those tests.

The university, on information and belief, has concluded that only one vendor can meet its need or can meet the need economically. That vendor is MTS, Inc. The university has provided detailed justification to support its conclusion as shown on the attached Sole Source Justification Form.

Although the university has presented this as a sole source procurement, we are seeking competitive information from firms with the capability of meeting the university's need (even if performed in a manner different from what has been presented) to contact us and provide sufficient information to show the need can be met. If we receive that information, the Chief Procurement Officer will offer a public hearing to consider the matter. Hearing information is described below.

All sole source hearings under the jurisdiction of the Chief Procurement Officer for Higher Education will be conducted by tele-conference only until the in-person option is reinstated.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the compatibility of equipment, accessories, replacement parts, or service is a paramount consideration.