DNA CONVICTED OFFENDERS KITS BODE SOLESOURCE 6096.docx

Mississippi Forensics Laboratory Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase Sole Source # 3150006096

The Mississippi Forensics Laboratory (MSFL) is seeking to purchase Bode Buccal Collector Kit for the collection samples from convicted felons.

1. Description of the commodity or commodities the MSFL is seeking to procure:

Buccal DNA Collection Kits for convicted felons.

2. Explanation of why the commodity is the only one that can meet the needs of the Agency:

The Bode Buccal DNA Collector is a unique device for one-step, direct buccal cell collection on to a flat surface of untreated filter paper, suitable for direct punching that is not available from any other source. The Bode Buccal DNA Collector is the key component in the Buccal DNA Collection kit provided by Bode Technology and is part of the overall collection of DNA samples, transport, processing, and storage system.

The Bode Buccal DNA Collector is a device validated for forensic applications such as the direct collection of buccal cells for the purpose of human DNA identification. This device provides an easy-to-use, reproducible, effective, and non-invasive direct cell collection method. Direct collection of samples maximizes the amount of DNA collected and eliminates transfer steps that cause the loss of DNA and the possible chain of custody issues that occur when using collection devices with FTA paper. The collector protects the sample from contamination, allows for the drying of the specimen and easy to archive the final sample after processing.

The Bode Buccal DNA Collector is proprietary device (patent #6840911) manufactured and distributed only by Bode Technologies in the United States. The Bode Buccal DNA Collector is a one-step, direct buccal collector to a flat surface of untreated, 100% cotton filter paper. The collector design lends itself to automation as it is capable of punching because of the flat surface. The Bode Buccal DNA Collector is designed for labeling so that the handle contains subject information (Name/#) and a barcode or RFID label for identification, ensuring that the sample on the filter paper always remains with the subject information. This ensures chain-of-custody remains intact from collection through processing and archiving. The Buccal DNA Collector is manufactured in a clean-room environment under eGMP conditions in an FDA registered facility and is E-beam processed after in its final, sealed package. The collector is certified to be free of human DNA, DNase, and RNase. There are no other direct collection devices with similar qualities and capabilities available on the market.

3. Explanation of why the source is the only person or entity that can provide the required commodity:

Bode Buccal DNA Collector Kits are manufacturer and distributed only by Bode Cellmark Forensics in the United States.

4. Explanation of why the amount to be expended for the commodity is reasonable:

Estimated Cost:

Quantity (# of kits) Catalog Number

P10C10-MS

MS Buccal DNA Collection Kits for convicted felons (case of 50)

Kit Consists of the Following Components:

Qty Description 1 Bode Buccal DNA Collector 1 Mississippi Outer Envelope 1 Mississippi DNA Database Collection Card (2-sided printing) 1 Mississippi Transport Pouch with Desiccant 1 Mississippi Bode Kit/Collection Instructions 1 Ink Strip 2 Pair of Vinyl Gloves 1 Integrity Seal 1 Ink Remover Shipping and Handling – (Estimate $700-$1000)

TOTAL

$385.02 Per kit)

$38,502.00

$1000.00

$39,502.00

The amount is within the expected price range of the items being requested.

5. Efforts the Agency went through to obtain the best possible price for the commodity:

Bode Cellmark Forensics has quoted the MS Forensics Lab based on buying in bulk. The cost per unit is much higher than the price quoted to the laboratory. The laboratory has been given a discount. All options to obtain the best possible price for the commodities have been taken.

Any person or entity that objects and proposes that the commodity listed is not sole source and can be provided by another person or entity should submit a written notice to:

Sonya Williams or Britney Wesley Procurement Department 4th Floor, Room 402 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue Jackson, MS 39216

The notice should contain a detailed explanation of why the commodity is not a sole source procurement, as well as, but not limited to the following information:

Interested Party Information

· Contact Name, Phone Number, and email address

· Company Website URL, if applicable

Objection to Sole Source Justification

· Interested parties must present specific objections to the Sole Source certification, including, but not limited to the following:

a) A description of the commodity or commodities that Interested Party believes is comparable to the Bode Buccal DNA Collector kits;

b) An explanation of why Interested Party’s commodity or commodities can also meet the needs of the agency; and

c) A list of sources from which Interested Party’s commodity may be procured.

· If Interested Party claims that the Bode Buccal DNA Collector kits are available from a source other than Bode Cellmark Forensics, the objection must contain a written statement from Bode Cellmark Forensics that the Interested Party is an authorized distributor or reseller of the Bode Buccal DNA Collector.

This information should be provided no later than Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 5:00 pm local time. Response may be delivered by hand, via regular mail or overnight delivery.

If after a review of the submitted notice and documents, MSFL determines that the commodity in the proposed sole-source request can be provided by another person or entity, then MSFL will withdraw the sole source request publication from the procurement portal website and submit the procurement of the commodity or commodities to an advertised competitive bid process.

If MSFL determines after the review that there is only one (1) source for the required commodity or commodities, then MSFL will appeal to the Public Procurement Review Board. MSFL will have the burden of proving that the commodity or commodities is only provided by one (1) source.