BCIProficiencyTestsRFQvfinal.pdf

Bureau of Criminal Investigations

1560 St. Rt. 56

London, OH 43140 www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov

Request for Quotations (RFQ)

Forensic Proficiency Testing Services – 2026

1.0. Purpose and Overview

The purpose of this request is to solicit responses for the selection of a vendor to supply the Ohio Attorney

General’s Office (AGO) with forensic proficiency testing services for use by the Bureau of Criminal

Investigation(BCI).

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is an elected official who is the Chief Law Officer for the State of Ohio and its agencies, boards and commissions, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1091. The office consists of about 1,600 employees in nearly 40 distinct sections that advocate for consumers and victims of crime, assist the criminal justice community, provide legal counsel for state offices and agencies, and enforce certain state laws.

The Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) serves as Ohio’s crime lab and criminal-records keeper, and it offers expert, impartial investigative services to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. All proficiency tests procured through this RFQ will be administered at the BCI Lab in London. BCI

Quality Assurance staff will assign tests to forensic scientists throughout the year.

Responders to this RFQ are referred to herein as “bidders,” “offerors,” “supplier,” or “vendors” and these references may be used interchangeably throughout this RFQ and have the same meaning.

2.0. Item List

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is soliciting firm, fixed pricing for the following proficiency tests. All vendors must be ISO/IEC 17043 accredited, with each test type listed on the scope of their accreditation.

Qty Test Type Test Description

2 Tenprint Examination

Participants will compare pairs of individual prints to determine if each originates from the same source, then compare questioned tenprint cards against a pool of standards to identify any matches.

36 Controlled Substance Each proficiency test will include two unknown samples for the identification of controlled substances. Samples may consist of

1 Chapter 109 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-109

Qty Test Type Test Description powders, solids, plant materials, or other forms commonly encountered in forensic laboratories. Participants must analyze the samples using their laboratory’s standard procedures and instrumentation. Each test is uniquely composed of randomly selected known and/or unknown items. Correct answers are specific to each test, ensuring participants cannot gain information through discussion. These blind elements are designed to reduce bias and enhance the integrity of results.

5 THC Quant

Participants will conduct a qualitative analysis of three plant-based samples to identify any test positive for marihuana

(marijuana/cannabis). Quantitative results for THC concentration, including uncertainty measurements and identification of other cannabinoids, may also be submitted. Each items contains 500 mg of plant material, which may include both controlled and non-controlled substances.

19 Firearm Comparison

Each testing cycle incorporates a variety of firearm makes and models to evaluate participants’ ability to accurately identify or eliminate fired ammunition components produced through different manufacturing processes. Each forensic practitioner receives a uniquely composed test with randomly selected known and/or unknown items. Correct answers are specific to each test, and blind testing elements are built in to prevent information sharing among participants or administrators, reducing bias and enhancing result integrity.

11 Latent Print Processing

Each test includes six items – three samples each from two different surface types. Surface materials vary annually and are selected from porous, non-porous, and adhesive substrates. Participants are evaluated on their ability to develop latent prints using appropriate processing techniques. Each test is uniquely composed with randomly selected known and/or unknown items. Correct answers are specific to each test, and blind testing elements are incorporated to prevent information sharing and reduce bias, thereby enhancing result integrity.

2 Questioned Documents

Participants will examine a set of original questioned documents and report their conclusions using a 5-point scale. The documents may involve various aspects of forensic document examination, including ink analysis, impressed writings, printing process identification, and handwriting comparison.

2 Handwriting

Participants will examine and compare handwriting samples, reporting their conclusions using a 5-point scale. Each test includes printed images of one or more questioned entries alongside a series of exemplar writings.

3 Gunshot Residue (GSR)

Test samples are mounted on pin-type aluminum SEM stubs with carbon adhesive tabs. All positive and negative GSR samples are pre-screened using SEM-EDS prior to distribution.

102 (2 sets of

51)

DNA (STR/YSTR)

Each test includes two known bloodstains and two questioned, prescreened stains. One questioned sample contains a mixture of bodily fluids, including semen. Known bloodstains are provided on cloth substrates. Because the questioned stains are prescreened, no screening data will be collected. Participants will report results for STR and YSTR analyses. Tests must be distributed twice annually – in

January and July.

1 DNA Parentage Parentage testing

2.1. Delivery

All proficiency tests must be delivered to: Bureau of Criminal Investigations located at 1560 St. Rt. 56 SW, London, OH 43140.

Tests will be distributed to forensic scientists by BCI Quality Assurance staff throughout the year.

2.2. Vendor Requirements

Vendor must:

• Hold active ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation with the above test types listed on their scope.

• Provide documentation of accreditation with the quote.

• Ensure tests are blind, randomized, and unique per participant.

• Provide secure result reporting and performance summaries.

2.3. Contract Term

The contract term shall be the calendar year of 2026, beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026.

3.0. Vendor Quote Content and Submission

Vendors must provide information and responses as directed within the Ohio Buys Questionnaire and Item

Grid. All responses to this RFQ must include the information listed below to ensure the quote submission is considered for this opportunity. Any material deviation from the format or information below or within Ohio

Buys may result in rejection of a response.

The vendor’s responses to the information requested will allow for a well-defined comparison of the bids received. Quotes must be valid for no less than 60 days from the quote due date.

1. Item Grid. The vendor must complete the Item Grid, by entering its unit price for each line.

2. Accreditation Documentation.

3. Terms and Conditions. Vendors must review the RFQ and the Ohio Attorney General Sample Contract and within the Questionnaire must identify and attach any vendor assumptions or exceptions to the

Terms and Conditions within the vendor’s quote.

All responses must be submitted online via Ohio Buys no later than the date listed in the Calendar of Events.

When submitting bid files, vendors should note the following:

• All attachments should be in a searchable PDF format, unless directed differently by this document.

o When directed, other file types may be attached but only the following file extensions will be allowed: .docx, .xlsx, .zip.

The AGO has the discretion to select a vendor and to reject responses that are not in the best interest of the

AGO, or to cancel this solicitation. The AGO may waive minor defects and/or request clarifications in the responses if doing so does not materially deviate from the specifications or otherwise create an unfair competitive advantage. Any response, revision, improper marking, or amendment to a response or submission may be disqualified

The AGO will not be liable for any costs incurred by a vendor in responding to this solicitation, regardless of whether the AGO awards any contract(s) through this process, decides to cancel this solicitation for any reason, or issues another solicitation if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the AGO to do so.

The AGO reserves the right to negotiate all terms associated with this solicitation. It is entirely within the discretion of the AGO to permit negotiations. A vendor must not submit a response assuming that there will be an opportunity to negotiate any aspect of the response. The AGO is free to limit the negotiations to particular aspects of any response. Vendors should not base their pricing on the assumption of long-term financing by the AGO that extends beyond the current biennium, which ends June 30, 2027.

Awards will be made to the vendors that offer the lowest priced responsible and responsive submissions.

4.0. Calendar of Events

• RFQ issued date: September 25, 2025

• Inquiry Period Begins September 25, 2025

• Inquiry Deadline October 2, 2025, 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time

• Quote due date: October 10, 2025, 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time

5.0. Communication and Inquiries

Unless the AGO advises differently, all contact is to be in writing using the Ohio Buys website. Ohio Buys provides the primary platform for Supplier partners to engage in procurement activities with the State of

Ohio. For additional information on using Ohio Buys follow the link provided below:

• Ohio Buys for Suppliers

All inquiries and responses will be posted to the Ohio Buys website. The due date for any inquiry within the intent and scope of this solicitation must be received by the date listed in the Calendar of Events.

Vendors may make inquiries regarding this solicitation any time during the inquiry period listed in the

Calendar of Events and Deadlines. To make an inquiry, vendors must login to Ohio Buys, navigate to the solicitation, open the inquiry tab, and submit their inquiry. Vendors will not receive a personalized e-mail response to their question, nor will they receive notification when the question has been answered.

Vendors may view inquiries and responses on the Ohio Buys Public Solicitations page by opening the

Solicitation Overview and navigating to the inquiries section of that page.

https://procure.ohio.gov/bidders-and-suppliers/resources/01_selling+to+the+state

If Vendors experience technical difficulties accessing the Ohio Buys website where the solicitation and its related documents are published, they may contact the Ohio Shared Services Help Desk through one of the options listed here:

• Email OBM.ContactCenter@obm.ohio.gov and put "Ohio Buys" in the subject line.

• Phone 614-338-4781 or 1-877-644-6771.

6.0. Terms and Conditions

No work may commence until the selected vendor receives an AGO purchase order and, if determined by the

AGO, an AGO contract as well as all other applicable agreements are executed.

The AGO Attachment –Sample Contract is included with this RFQ. The RFQ and, unless otherwise determined by the AGO, the Attachment constitute the terms and conditions for this AGO purchase. Vendors must review the RFQ and Goods and Conditions and must identify any exceptions to the Terms and

Conditions and/or state if the vendor holds a current contract with the AGO and the AGO contract number in the vendor’s response.

If exceptions are not noted in the response, the vendor stipulates the vendor’s acceptance of the Terms and

Conditions and RFQ requirements.

Additionally, the selected vendor(s) may be required to sign various AGO forms and/or agree to comply with certain requirements prior to commencement of work.

Once the selected vendor reports to the AGO, all work will be conducted in accordance with AGO policies, procedures, coding standards, and best practices as instructed by the AGO.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is subject to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 149, known as the Ohio Public

Records Act. Consequently, the Offeror understands that all documents submitted in response to this RFQ are considered public records and will be released when a public records request is made by anyone, including news media, competitors, or other interested parties, in accordance with the law. If you contend that certain clearly marked portions of your response constitute an exception to Ohio's public records law, you must submit your legal basis in support of that assertion with your response. The legal basis must include the Ohio statute that applies to exempt that specific information and a description of why that specific information is covered by the cited statute.

If a public records request is made for any portion of the documents that you have submitted and you have not clearly marked such documents as information constituting an exception to Ohio's public records law, your information will be released immediately. If a public records request is made for such information and you have clearly marked portions of your response as information constituting an exception to Ohio's public records law, and you have submitted the legal basis supporting such claim, the AGO will release a redacted version of your information to the requester and notify you that a request was made and that a redacted version of your response was released. Should the requester indicate that the redacted version is not sufficient for their purposes, you then will be immediately responsible for obtaining an order from a Franklin mailto:OBM.ContactCenter@obm.ohio.gov

County, Ohio Court of Common Pleas enjoining release of your clearly marked information constituting an exception to Ohio's public records law.

If a public records request is made for such information and you have clearly marked portions of your response as information constituting an exception to Ohio's public records law, but you have not submitted the legal basis supporting such claim, the AGO will release your information to the requester and notify you that a request was made and that your response was released. Do not mark your entire response/submittal as information constituting an exception to Ohio's public records law. If your entire response/submittal is so marked, the AGO will not consider your offer.

The terms and conditions of this solicitation are subject to Ohio Revised Code Section 9.27 - State Contracts

- Invalid Terms and Conditions. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 9.27, the AGO is prohibited, among other things, from including provisions by which the AGO agrees to indemnify and hold harmless a vendor. These provisions, if added to an agreement, are immediately unenforceable. Vendors must not include prohibited terms subject to Ohio Revised Code Section 9.27 in their standard terms and conditions, manufacturer warranties, and applicable warranty services.

The selected shall be engaged by the AGO solely on an independent contractor basis, and the vendor shall therefore be responsible for all the vendor’s business expenses, including, but not limited to, employees’ wages and salaries, insurance of every type and description, and all business and personal taxes, including income and Social Security taxes and contributions for Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment

Compensation coverage, if any.