Solicitation_Amendment_1_Questions_0001.docx

Questions for RFP Number: 140A1622Q0104

1. Can the Contractor estimate how many cases will be tested under this contract?

15-20 per year.

2. Can the Contractor estimate the breakdown of case types between homicides, sexual assault cases, and unidentified remains?

The case will consist of cold case homicides and human remains needing DNA testing for identification that will include genealogy. The unit is a missing and murdered unit and not an active criminal investigation unit. Therefore, no sexual assault cases.

3. Does the Contractor anticipate multiple vendors awarded under this contract? And if so, can a vendor simply bid on the services they would like to offer or is the vendor required to bid on all requested services?

No, multiple awards are not anticipated. The contractor is looking for a “one shop stop” for needs relating to questions 2.

Statement of Work

4. Does the Contractor require the vendor to have experience in testifying to the admissibility of investigative leads using Forensic Genetic Genealogy in criminal cases? Does the vendor need experience testifying in a jury trial?

Experience in testifying admissibility is essential, but not for jury trial testifying.

5. Can the Contractor confirm that the SNP profiles developed must contain enough SNPs (more than 100,000 SNPs) to be compatible with upload to both GEDMatch and FamilyTree DNA databases?

Genealogy can be very difficult with just one database. Yes, the vendor can confirm SNP profiles with assistance from outsource data basis.

6. If the answer to question 5 is yes and the DNA profile must be compatible with all genealogical databases, can the vendor forgo providing pricing for the Kintelligence assay?

Kintelligence does not provide enough markers for a SNP profile to be used outside of GEDMATCH and this greatly limits the number of matches obtained. Yes to all genealogical data bases to be utilized by the vendor to accomplish a match.

7. Indigenous populations are often under-represented in genealogical databases and the development of investigative leads through forensic genetic genealogy can become more challenging. Can the Contractor confirm that the vendor must have multiple examples of publicly verifiable successes identifying indigenous persons using Forensic Genetic Genealogy?

Yes.

8. Can the Contractor confirm preference for a vendor that has experience working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs or tribal law enforcement?

Not essential. No experience working with the BIA is needed.

9. Can the Contractor confirm that they will not accept bids from vendors that have not performed laboratory and other technical processes necessary to develop a DNA profile for Forensic Genetic Genealogy, for a minimum of six months in a validated and commercial setting, prior to bidding on this project?

DNA testing is a destructive process and experience specific to the requested services is paramount for ensuring success. The contractor expects the vendor to have performed laboratory and Tech processes necessary to develop a DNS Profile.

10. Does the scope of the subject solicitation include national coverage? Yes, it will be national for Indian Country throughout the US. If so, is there an acceptable way to propose regionalized pricing rather than the single line item pricing for services currently presented in the solicitation?

No. Not acceptable.

11. Also, if the scope is not for national coverage, can you provide the areas required for service.

It is national coverage.

Pricing

12. Can the Contractor confirm that the Preliminary DNA Screening for Investigative leads is comprehensive of DNA extraction and enhanced quality control testing? Or is the line item specific to the enhanced quality control testing?

It is for is for comp. DNA extraction and to enhance quality control testing.

13. Can the Contractor confirm that Investigative Leads using Enhanced Whole Genome Sequencing includes the development of a SNP profile from degraded skeletal remains as well as mixture samples associated with sexual assault kit testing? We would expect that this also includes DNA repair, an essential step in working with older remains?

Yes to both.

14. Reference SNP testing is often required in the development of investigative leads through Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Can the Contractor amend the price document to include the development of a SNP profile from a known individual?

Yes, we can amend as SNP profile development is needed.