Please note: This is a Sole Source Notification. Specifications include, but are not limited to: 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): Egg Tester Ultimate – it combines three machines into one. The three machines are egg content (color, Haugh unit, USDA grade), analyzer, eggshell thickness gauge and egg shell breaking strength. 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 system combines three separate machines into one. Typically, three machines ae required for determining eggshell strength, eggshell thickness and egg content parameters (Haugh unit, USDA grade and yolk color). Another advantage is that data can be sent to a PC and automatically entered into a spread sheet. Having these three features as well as it inputting it into a computer in one machine would allow students and staff using this to be efficient with their time and to perform more measurements. 3. Name of company/individual selling the item and why that source is the only possible source that can provide the required item(s): The company’s name is ORKA and they are the only one that markets this machine. 4. Estimated cost of item(s) and an explanation why the amount to be expended is considered reasonable: The quote we were given was for $12,100. This is reasonable since each machine if acquired separately would cost $5,000 each ($15,000 for all three) 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: To the best of my knowledge there is no other source for this type of machine. Working with eggs is specialized so there are few sources available.