6 SF1009.pdf

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Solicitation / Sole Source for Keyence Microscope Components
Solicitation number
2023H2-25-Q-00054
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This document is a SF 1009 Sole Source Justification form for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation (CI) division to purchase microscope components from Keyence Corporation. The procurement involves 12 specific microscope attachments and parts for a Keyence VHX microscope, with a total estimated value of $58,680.19 for one year. After extensive market research, the IRS determined Keyence is the only vendor capable of providing fully compatible microscope components that meet their forensic examination needs, including advanced features like automated imaging, 3D measurement capabilities, and high-resolution image stitching.

The justification highlights several critical requirements, including seamless integration with the existing 2024 Keyence VHX system, large working distance for imaging forensic samples, and compatibility with other federal law enforcement agencies like Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Secret Service. The procurement will be conducted through either Government Scientific Source (a reseller) or directly through Keyence, with some parts potentially available under a GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract. The sole source justification is based on the unique technical capabilities of Keyence's microscope components that cannot be replicated by alternative vendors.

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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

SF 1009 - FAR 13.106-1(b) SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR

ACQUISITIONS AT OR BELOW THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

Treasury Standard Form – 1009 (Rev 10/18)

Prescribed by Treasury: DTAP 1013.106(b)

1. 1. Identification of the requesting activity and contracting activity.

The requiring activity is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation (CI), and the contracting activity is the IRS Office of Procurement, Special Operations Branch.

2.a A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs.

The scope of the SOW encompasses purchasing the exact components that are included in an attachment to current Keyence microscope as follows:

Manufacturer CLIN Part # Description Qty

Base Year Estimated POP: 1 year from date of award

KEYENCE CORP

OF AMERICA

0001 VH-ZST VH Zoom Lens 20x to 2000x 1 0002 VHX-JZST VH Lens Joint Lens Joint for VH ZST 1

0003 VHX-S660E VH Free angle stand Motorized Z 100mm motorized XY 1

0004 VHX-C1MA Contamination Analysis Module 1

0005 VHX-H6M 3D Profile Measurement Module 1

0006 VHX-7020 High performance camera 1

0007 OP-88329 Lighting unit with 2m cable 1

0008 OP-87796 VH Lens Adapter Variable Angle Adapter for ZST 1

0009 OP-88660 EA 300 lens joint for VH ZST LENS

HOLDER 1

0010 OP-88662 Camera port expansion unit

CAMERA EXTENSION UNIT 1

0011 OP-88590 VHX Stand branch unit STAND

EXTENSION UNIT 1

0012 OP-87428 VH Stand Adapter Transmitted Polarizer S90 and S55 1

2.b Name and business size of the vendor. TBD 2.c Requisition No. 5000211165

3. IGCE/Estimated dollar value.

The IGCE is $58,680.19 for one year.

4.a Identification of the circumstances that preclude competition (Check the appropriate box that applies).

Urgency Exclusive licensing agreements Brand-name Industrial mobilization.

Other 4.b Supporting information and facts (i.e. the details surrounding the requirement that supports the selection made in 4.a).

In October 2024, CSD scientist Rafal Turek was exposed to larger evidence that required larger working area. Existing Keyence system can be utilized but the efficiency of work on larger samples is low due to capacity of the microscope to analyze only very small part of the evidence.

Prescribed by Treasury: DTAP 1013.106(b)

Between October 2024 and February 2025 Rafal contacted multiple vendors and could not find anything compatible with existing Keyence product.

Rafal continued his research in February 2025 contacting vendors from around the world on AAFS conference in Baltimore, and the results indicated that the only source to able to help would be Keyence Corporation by themselves.

Market Research Findings for Microscope Attachments and Parts

Key Finding: Additional parts and attachments for the existing Keyence VHX microscope from Keyence Corporation meet all the critical elements. Alternative solutions do not provide full compatibility with the 2024 Keyence VHX system and cannot be modified to meet CSD’s specific needs.

1. Compatibility and Seamless Integration

Keyence Corporation is the only provider offering microscope attachments and parts that are fully compatible with the existing Keyence VHX microscope purchased in 2024. This ensures seamless functionality without the need for costly modifications or workarounds. Keyence offers a dual stage set-up that allows the analysts to stich smaller areas into a macro image keeping high resolution. Its secondary stage set-up allows to switch between the lenses. This set-up will NOT only serve the laboratory at present, but it will help to expand our scope of investigations and support mission critical elements of IRS Criminal Investigation Division.

2. Large Working Distance for Imaging Larger Samples

Keyence’s advanced attachments allow for a large working distance, making it possible to image larger forensic samples without compromising resolution or detail.

3. Automated Imaging, Measurements, and High-Resolution Image Stitching

Keyence provides automated imaging and measurement capabilities, including image stitching to generate high-resolution “macro” images. This capability is critical for forensic examinations that require large-area imaging without sacrificing detail.

4. Advanced Measurement Features and Transmitted Lighting Capabilities

Keyence’s software offers advanced measurement features, enabling forensic examiners to take precise and automated measurements. Transmitted lighting capabilities further enhance the visibility of fine details in forensic samples, including documents and printed materials.

5. Automated Switching Between Lenses and Cameras

Unlike other solutions, Keyence’s automated lens and camera switching allows analysts to switch between different magnifications and imaging modes directly through software. This eliminates the need for manual removal of lenses, cameras, and analyzers, reducing examination time and potential human error.

Prescribed by Treasury: DTAP 1013.106(b)

6. Automated Particle Counting, Sizing, and Reporting

Keyence’s system includes automated particle counting, sizing, and reporting, a critical feature for forensic document examination. This functionality is essential for toner particle analysis, as it enables comparisons between fraudulent and original documents.

7. 3D Measurement Capabilities

Keyence’s 3D measurement tools provide detailed analysis of sample point height, profile, roughness, and volume. These features are essential for forensic ink, paper, and toner analysis, helping determine differences between authentic and fraudulent documents.

8. Alignment with Law Enforcement and IRS CI Mission

Keyence’s forensic imaging solutions are widely used by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for document and materials analysis.

The United States Secret Service Forensic Services Division and IRS CI CSD maintain a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for forensic cooperation.

The USSS forensic lab is procuring Keyence microscope attachments, and alignment with their system ensures consistent methodologies, interoperability, and reliable forensic results.

Conclusion

Keyence is the only vendor capable of providing the necessary microscope attachments while ensuring full compatibility, forensic accuracy, and mission-critical alignment with federal investigative agencies. Procuring these attachments will enhance IRS CI CSD's efficiency, expand forensic capabilities, and strengthen investigative support for tax and criminal cases.

5. Any other important information.

The products are available through SB reseller Government Scientific Source or directly through Keyence. Many of the parts can be procured under GSA MAS contract # GS-07F- 5934R from Government Scientific Source, however, not all parts requested are available under that schedule. Recommendation will be to go open market directly to Government Scientific Source or Keyence for all the parts to keep this under one procurement action.

6. Certifications and Approvals.

6.a Program Office certification (Requiring Activity). I hereby certify that the supporting information and data provided, and which form the basis for this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name: Rafal Turek Date: 6/25/2025

Signature:

Prescribed by Treasury: DTAP 1013.106(b)

6.b Contracting Officer approval. In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), as a warranted contracting officer, I hereby determine that the circumstances of the acquisition make only one brand-name or source reasonably available for the reasons provided above; therefore precluding competition and supporting the Government’s determination to solicit as a brand-name requirement or solicit and award to the vendor stated in section 2.b.

Name: Date:

Signature:

06/25/2025Ezilda Warthaw https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=/browse/far/13

2025-06-25T11:09:31-0700
Ezilda U. Warthaw

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .