Announcement of a Sole Source Purchase

The University has a need to purchase a ProteoxMX dilution fridge refrigerator system with gas control rack and instrumentation control rack. This is needed to equip a start up lab that will perform electrical transport, thermal transport, thermoelectric, and magnetization measurements on novel quantum materials at extremely low temperature range. The end result of this research will help to understand the physical properties of various quantum materials, such as unconventional superconductors, quantum magnets, and topological materials, and to explore their potential applications in modern technology. 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 Oxford Instruments America, 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.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the items are required for research and no other source is able to meet the researcher's documented needs. Compatibility of equipment and accessories with other university Physics labs is also a key consideration.