UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase #ITSS 505
Posted
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Nov 23, 2026
Commodity or commodities to be purchased (manufacturer, model, description): Opscan 4ES Model 2806 & Remark Classic OMR V7.5 Software The need to be fulfilled by this item(s) and why it is the only one that can meet the specific needs of the department: The Scantron machine ensures accurate, reliable, and standardized data collection for tests and assessments. It supports our department's mission to maintain academic integrity and uphold ACS accreditation standards. These products are used for resolving optical marks including accurate determination of intended marks versus erasures. The University needs the Scantron equipment and Remark software that will be used to grade multiple choice questions after exams are turned in. Faculty will use the product to run reports that will analyze data compiled from the reports. It will also provide graphical data. It will be used for analytical reports. Based upon this technology, faculty heavily depends on the type of services provided from the scantron machine. The services include the ability to scan multiple sheets at one time and produce several different reports that cover an array of analytical data Additionally, Scantron machines are the standard in testing in Higher Education. To ensure academic integrity it was emphasized that we purchase a Scantron machine directly from the manufacturer. Our professors and other staff are already versed with the operation of the Scantron and will require very little startup training on the use of this model. Name of company/individual selling the item and why that source is the only possible source that can provide the required item(s): SCN Worldwide, LLC Scantron 9720 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90212 United States. Scantron Corporation is the inventor and sole source manufacturer of Optical Mark Reading (OMR) scanners, including the Opscan 4ES Model 2806. The company holds intellectual property rights for its scanners and associated proprietary software, including ScanTools® and & Remark Classic OMR V7.5 Software. No other vendor can legally manufacture or distribute these products. Why the amount to be expended for the commodity is reasonable: The company makes about three different models. Based upon the price, this is the most affordable one that will meet the needs and budget. Efforts that the agency went through to obtain the best possible price: We worked with our sales rep to identify the exact model scanner that would meet our needs. We asked to remove installation and setup costs as we will take care of that ourselves.


