JA NOI001548.pdf

UNCLASSIFIED

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Metafer5 Microscope

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-25-001548 Division(s): Laboratory Division •,.

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition

Nature and/or description of the action being approved

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's LABORATORY DIVISION requires the following product(s)/service(s):

• Others

In support of Metasystems Group, Inc. has designed a system comprised of a Metafer5 slide scanning microscope and a specialized process that enables the use of deep neural networks to semiautomatically detect and categorize sperm cells. The method allows for previously stained slides (in our case, 'Christmas tree' stained) to be loaded onto a 5-slide stage and be automatically scanned to detect sperm cells and bin them according to level of confidence. Cell counts, images and recording o· object coordinates that are captured by the system to expedite, standardize and memorialize the information required for a case. Because of its automated nature, this system has the potential to reduce the variability associated with 'human searches' therefore increasing consistency, and it allows for a more streamlined process which will free biologists and examiners alike to b able to focus their time on other aspects of the DNA processing workflow.

Contract Type

New contract/agreement; Firm Fixed Price

Statutory authority permitting restricted (other than full and open) competition

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's selected statutory authority which permits restricted (other than full and open) competition for this requirement is listed below.

41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), FAR 6.302-1 - Only One Responsible Source (Brand Name Specification)

Unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's qualification of the selected statutory authority which permits restricted (other than full and open) competition for this requirement is stated below.

41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), FAR 6.302-1 - Only One Responsible Source (Brand Name Specification)

Unique qualification(s) application:

There is a reasonable basis to conclude that the agency's minimum needs can only be satisfied by unique supplies or services available from only one source or only one supplier with unique capabilities.

Unique qualification(s) details:

MetaSystems is also the only company that can do the installation, training and subsequent maintenance. The DSU, through a Bailment Agreement with Metasystems, has tested, evaluated and optimized the Metasystems Metafer5 slide scanning microscope and determined that they are the only company that could provide an automated sperm search solution for DCU operational purposes. While there are other companies that can provide microscopes, none can offer the streamlined sperm search process the Metasystems microscope provides. Metasystems is the manufacturer and the only vendor approved for preventative maintenance in the states at this time. In order to ensure maintenance is performed by Metasystems, we must acquire the required instruments from Metasystems. MetaSystems is the only company that can provide this brand name

Last Updated Aug 08, 2025, 07:44 PM UTC Page 1 of6 requirement. If it is not procured the impact could be costly and detrimental to the government causing incorrect testing results, and resources. Also, to introduce another brand into the system would potentially cause functionality issues.

The DSU, through a Bailment Agreement with Metasystems, has tested, evaluated and optimized the Metasystems Metafer5 slide scanning microscope and determined that they are the only ones that could provide an automated sperm search solution fc DCU operational purposes. While there are other companies that can provide microscopes, none can offer the streamlined sperm search process the Metasystems microscope provides, to include:

The use of deep neural networks for forensic sperm cell identificationAutomated search and detection of sperm cells in forensic samplesStorage sperm cell coordinates on a slide to enable rapid relocation of the cells for review purposesStorage of images for streamlined data review and record-keeping

Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's efforts made to solicit offers among as many sources as practicable is described below.

No public announcement will be made

Applicable FAR 5.202 exception(s):

(a) The contracting officer determines that:

(6) The proposed contract action is an order placed under subpart 16.5. When the order contains brand-name specifications, see especially 16.505(a)(4).

Anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition and determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's methodology which supports the determination of fair and reasonable cost to the Government is provided below.

Other

Because of the technical nature of these products, only the brand name Metafer is authorized for use. Therefore, MetaSystems, as the only authorized reseller, must provide the required instruments to the FBI Laboratory.

Description of the market research conducted and the results

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's description of the market research technique(s) it employed to determine the necessity of restricted (other than full and open) competition is provided below.

Contacting knowledgeable individuals in Government and industry regarding market capabilities to meet requirements.

The DSU conducted market surveys and research for this requirement through industry shows, internet searches, one-on-one industry sessions, and technology releases in the form of papers and journals.

Metasystems is the manufacturer and the only vendor approved for preventative maintenance in the states at this time. In order to ensure maintenance is performed by Metasystems, then we must acquire the required instruments from Metasystems. They are also the only company that can do the installation, training and subsequent maintenance.

Other facts supporting the use of restricted (other than full and open) competition

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's description of additional facts which support the use of restricted (other than full and open:

competition is provided below.

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The Laboratory Division is currently using the Metafer5 Microscope that is on loaner from MetaSystems.

The DSU, through a Bailment Agreement with Metasystems, has tested, evaluated and optimized the Metasystems Metafer5 slide scanning microscope and determined that they are the only ones that could provide an automated sperm search solution for DCU operational purposes. While there are other companies that can provide microscopes, none can offer the streamlined sperm search process the Metasystems microscope provides, to include:

The use of deep neural networks for forensic sperm cell identificationAutomated search and detection of sperm cells in forensic samplesStorage sperm cell coordinates on a slide to enable rapid relocation of the cells for review purposesStorage of images for streamlined data review and record-keeping

Listing of any sources that expressed a written interest in the acquisition

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's listing of interested sources is provided below.

This requirement was not publicly synopsized. As such, no other sources have expressed an oral or written interest.

Statement of any actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's planned and/or executed actions to remove or overcome competitive barriers for subsequent acquisitions are described below.

A competitive procurement is not planned in the future.

MetaSystems is a proven product that has been tested for several months.

Description of the products and/or services required to meet the agency's needs

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's description of the requirement which meets its needs is listed below.

Products

Base Period: 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30

Primary Items

Quantity Unit Price Line Total

Lab Network License- OCU 1 Each

Item 10: PRSG000197

Manufacturer:

Make:

Model:

Part Number:

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Metafer5-Microscope

Lab Equipment - OCU i-

Item 10: PRSG000197

Manufacturer:

Make:

Model:

Part Number:

Metafer5-Microscope

Lab Neon Software Configuration -

OCU

Item 10: PRSG000197

Manufacturer:

Make:

Model:

Part Number:

Metafer5-Microscope

Lab Shipping & Handling- OCU

Item 10: PRSG000197

Manufacturer:

Make:'

Model:

Part Number:

Metafer5-Microscope

Last Updated Aug 08, 2025, 07:44 PM UTC

UNCLASSIFIED

Quantity

1 Each

Quantity

1 Each

Quantity

1 Each

UNCLASSIFIED

Unit Price Line Total

Unit Price Line Total

Unit Price Line Total

Products:

Products - Surge: 00.00

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Services

Base Period: 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30

Primary Items

Services:

Services - Surge:

Base Period Totals:

Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

This contract will allow for the purchase of services or goods classified as other direct costs (~OC) as identified herein. Any DOCs not documented in advance of contract award will require written approval by the FBI contracting officer (CO) prior to the purchase. Requests for approval must specifically identify the services or goods to be procured and the estimated price of each.

Justification is required for all DOCs that demonstrate that the goods or services to be purchased are in direct support of the contract. Invoices submitted for payment that include ~OCs must specifically identify the services or goods purchased and breaf out in detail the costs associated with the ~OCs. Invoices containing ~OCs not listed in the contract or identified and approved by the CO in advance of billing will be treated as improper invoices and will not be paid. Similarly, invoices that include ~OCs listed in the contract but fail to specifically identify them and elucidate the costs in detail, will be treated as improper and will not be paid.

Base Period: 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30

Other Direct Costs(ODCs):

Total:

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