NIBIN - SSJF-Final.pdf

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 24/493ISP-FOREN-R-184924/B-38904

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

Sole Source Justification Form - Part I Section I - General Information

Department/Bureau/Section: Division of Forensic Services/Forensic Sciences Command/Firearms

Need Identified Date: Mar 29, 2023 Supply/Service Need By Date: ASAP

Project Title: Integrated Ballistic Identification System

Vendor: Forensic Technology, Inc.

Provide a description of the supplies or services required:

The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is a computerized system for acquiring and storing the images of unidentified cartridge cases and test shots from recovered firearms. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is part of the NIBIN which is maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). The Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) is utilized by the BATFE in the operation of NIBIN.

IBIS uses state of the art optical and electronic technology to acquire images of the primer, firing pin, or ejector marked areas of fired cartridge cases.

Using sophisticated algorithms, the images entered into the database are correlated against other images using filters such as caliber, date of offense, firing pin shape, etc. These correlations produce lists of candidates that are ranked numerically by category (firing pin, breech face, ejector). The examiners reviewing the correlations can compare the candidates to the image they entered. NIBIN is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in operation in the United States.

Links made through the use of NIBIN allow for previously unrelated crime scenes to be associated to the same firearm providing valuable investigative information to law enforcement agencies.

Value: Actual Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 812,596

Will this Sole Source amend a Professional or Artistic Services contract? Yes No

*Sole Source may not be used for amendments for Professional or Artistic Services if the amendment would increase the value by more than 5% of the initial award or extend the term by more than 60 days.

Type: New Sole Source

Section II - Proposed Term

One-Time Purchase Term Contract

Section III - Funding Source Select the type of funding to be used (Check all that apply): State Appropriate Funds Federal Funds Other (Explain):

Grant

Section IV - Sole Source Justification

This purchase is economically only available from a single source primarily because it is: (If "Other" explain in one sentence)

Items are Copyrighted or Patented and the Items are Only Available from the Holder

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Bulletin Reference Number 24/493ISP-FOREN-R-184924/B-38904

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

Are there secondary justification(s) for this sole source? Yes No

Section V - Purchase History

Has the Agency or University Purchased these supplies or services in the past? Yes No

Term Term From Term To Value Description Contract Number Type

1 Mar 22, 2022 Mar 21, 2023 312,453

One NIBIN Cartridge Case Acquisition, Analysis & Triage Package and one NIBIN Cartridge Case Analysis Package 22-493ISP-FOREN-R-1 Sole Source

If more than 10, or if other comments, explain:

Section VI - Business Rationale

1. Provide a detailed explanation of the need for the supplies or services:

IBIS is a computerized system for acquiring and storing the images of unidentified cartridge cases and test shots from recovered firearms. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is part of the NIBIN which is maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). ISP currently has IBIS equipment in the Chicago, Joliet, Metro-East, and Springfield laboratories. Due to an increased focus on the invaluable, timely information NIBIN provides, ISP has determined that additional equipment is necessary in the Chicago, Joliet, and Metro-East laboratories to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies. This additional equipment will allow ISP to meet the best practices established by BATFE in entering, reviewing, and reporting on NIBIN entries within 2 business days, thereby providing immediate actionable intelligence to investigating agencies responding to violent crimes. See 5.2.1.3 of BATFE Minimum Required Operating Standards attachment.

2. Provide a list and describe in detail the specifications required to satisfy the need:

IBIS uses state of the art optical and electronic technology to acquire images of the primer, firing pin, or ejector marked areas of fired cartridge cases. Using sophisticated algorithms, the images entered into the database are correlated against other images using filters such as caliber, date of offense, firing pin shape, etc. These correlations produce lists of candidates that are ranked numerically by category (firing pin, breech face, ejector). The examiners reviewing the correlations can compare the candidates to the image they entered. IBIS is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in operation in the United States.

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Bulletin Reference Number 24/493ISP-FOREN-R-184924/B-38904

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

3. Provide detail explaining the justification selected in Section IV to explain why the requested supplies or services are the only ones available that can satisfy the agency or university requirements?

NIBIN is a program controlled and run by the United States Government Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE).

This particular vendor and equipment are the only ones approved for use by BATFE on the NIBIN network. The Integrated Ballistic Identification System uses technology that encompasses a number of patents protected in the United States and throughout the world.

Forensic Technology Inc. is the exclusive manufacturer of their proprietary IBIS equipment. Additionally, only Forensic Technology Inc.

may provide maintenance/service, upgrades, installation, and training on their equipment. Yearly maintenance is not required on this equipment; however, only FTI may service the equipment if it is needed. Furthermore, IBIS, currently in use in the United States under the ATF NIBIN program, is the only technology that has undergone and passed the security standards set by the BATFE needed for integration into NIBIN. See BATFE-ISP Memorandum of Understanding attachment.

4. What are the unique features of the supplies or services that are not available in any other product or by any other vendor? Provide specific quantifiable factors/qualifications:

The Integrated Ballistic Identification System uses technology that encompasses a number of patents protected in the United States and throughout the world. Forensic Technology Inc. is the exclusive manufacturer of their proprietary IBIS equipment. Additionally, only Forensic Technology Inc. may provide maintenance, upgrades, installation, and training on their equipment. Furthermore, IBIS, currently in use in the United States under the ATF NIBIN program, is the only technology that has undergone and passed the security standards set by the BATFE needed for integration into NIBIN. See BATFE-ISP Memorandum of Understanding attachment.

5. Has the Agency or University considered alternative supplies or services to satisfy their need? Yes No

5a. If no, why weren't alternatives evaluated?

The Integrated Ballistic Identification System is the only one approved for use on the BATFE NIBIN network. There are no other alternatives. See BATFE-ISP Memorandum of Understanding attachment.

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

Yes No N/A

7. What efforts were made to get the best possible price (i.e. did the agency/university negotiate) and how did you determine the price for this purchase is considered fair and reasonable?

The price for this equipment is set by the vendor and is the same for any entity who desires to purchase the equipment. The vendor verified that pricing is the same for any law enforcement agency in the United States. In addition to patented technology, the equipment utilizes complex algorithms and software. There are no similar products available for purchase. Based on software support costs for other technology utilized within the Forensic Sciences Command, ISP has determined that this is a fair and reasonable price. A recent quote for software support and upgrades for a digital asset management system in the Latent Print section was over $220,000 per year. This did not include patented technology and hardware but was for software support and enhancements to an existing system only. IBIS performs more complex functions than a digital asset management system and patented technology and hardware are included in this price.

8. Will this purchase obligate the State to this vendor for future purchases such as maintenance, licensing or continuing need?

Yes No

9. What will be the financial or other impact to the State if this sole source is not approved and a competitive bid is required?

Failure to obtain the additional equipment will result in delays in providing this service to law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Illinois which means valuable investigative information will not be provided in a timely manner. This lack of information linking previously unrelated crime scenes will lead to cases being unsolved and violent offenders remaining at large to commit additional crimes.

The BATFE currently funds the IBIS equipment in the Chicago, Joliet, and Metro-East laboratories. The BATFE requires that ISP enter all suitable evidence into IBIS within 2 business days or the BATFE may pull the equipment from the ISP. Failure to procure this additional equipment will lead to delays in testing that could jeopardize the current BATFE equipment in ISP laboratories. See 5.2.1.3 of BATFE Minimum Required Operating Standards attachment.

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Bulletin Reference Number 24/493ISP-FOREN-R-184924/B-38904

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

10. Is there any additional information you would like to add to justify this sole source?

Failure to obtain the additional equipment will result in delays in providing this service to law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Illinois which means valuable investigative information will not be provided in a timely manner. This lack of information linking previously unrelated crime scenes will lead to cases being unsolved and violent offenders remaining at large to commit additional crimes.

NIBIN Cartridge Cases Acquisition, Analysis & Triage Package, comprising:

- Four (4) BRASSTRAX Acquisition Stations (2 Chicago, 1 Joliet, 1 Metro-East)

- Three (3) MATCHPOINT Analysis Stations for Cartridge Cases (1 Chicago, 1 Joliet, 1 Metro-East) $812,596

The Illinois State Police will be under no further obligation to the vendor after this contract.

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Bulletin Reference Number 24/493ISP-FOREN-R-184924/B-38904

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

Section VII

Requesting Department Representative

Requesting Department Signature Required

I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed.

Date Sep 11, 2023

Printed Name Brian Mayland E-mail Address brian.mayland@illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-524-0043

State Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director Approval and Signature Required

I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed. (All prior form fields will lock once this e-signature is completed)

E-mail Address

Phone Number Date

Printed Name

Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director and Not a Designee

SPO Approval and Signature Required

I have reviewed and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and agree with the State Agency or University determination.

I have reviewed and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and do not agree with the State Agency or University determination. As a result, the State Agency or University must explore other sourcing methods to satisfy their need.

State Purchasing Officer Signature Phone Number 217-720-6643 Date Sep 11, 2023

Printed Name David Papp E-mail Address David.Papp@Illinois.Gov

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Bulletin Reference Number 24/493ISP-FOREN-R-184924/B-38904

Requesting Agency/University Illinois State Police

Sole Source Justification Form - Part II Section I - General Information

Project Title

Vendor

Initial Date of Procurement Bulletin Posting

Was a Sole Source hearing held per 30 ILCS 500/20-25?

Yes - Complete Section II and III below (Section II will only be visible when this option is selected)

No - Section II not required, go to Section III below Section III - CPO Approval and Signature Required

Based on my review, I authorize the Agency/University to proceed in accordance with the published Notice referenced above.

Based upon my review, I authorize the Agency/University to proceed with the following Changes.

Based on my review, the Agency/University is not authorized to proceed with this sole source as presented and my recommendation is that it be cancelled.

Other

CPO Signature CPO Phone

Printed Name Date

CPO E-mail

Version 7.01 Page of Sole Source Justification Form - Part I Section I - General Information Will this Sole Source amend a Professional or Artistic Services contract?

If yes, what was the original contract value?

*Sole Source may not be used for amendments for Professional or Artistic Services if the amendment would increase the value by more than 5% of the initial award or extend the term by more than 60 days.

Section II - Proposed Term If a Term Contract, does the term, including renewals, exceed 12 months?

If yes, provide a detailed justification including any economic benefit received for agreeing to a multi-year term:

Section III - Funding Source Select the type of funding to be used (Check all that apply):

Section IV - Sole Source Justification Are there secondary justification(s) for this sole source?

Section V - Purchase History Has the Agency or University Purchased these supplies or services in the past?

Term Term From Term To Value Description Contract Number Type Section VI - Business Rationale

1. Provide a detailed explanation of the need for the supplies or services:

2. Provide a list and describe in detail the specifications required to satisfy the need:

3. Provide detail explaining the justification selected in Section IV to explain why the requested supplies or services are the only ones available that can satisfy the agency or university requirements?

4. What are the unique features of the supplies or services that are not available in any other product or by any other vendor? Provide specific quantifiable factors/qualifications:

5. Has the Agency or University considered alternative supplies or services to satisfy their need?

5a. If yes, name the alternative vendors whose supplies or services were evaluated:

5b. If yes, what were the alternatives for each vendor and why were they unacceptable? Be specific with regard to features, characteristics, requirements, capabilities and compatibility:

5c. Explain how the market evaluation was conducted?

*This evaluation is to determine available options within a market. If the evaluation is to determine quality or best suited option, this is not the appropriate source selection. Under no circumstances shall the evaluation consist of testing alternative options. These activities must be conducted in a competitive transparent environment (i.e. IFB or RFP).

5a. If no, why weren't alternatives evaluated?

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

7. What efforts were made to get the best possible price (i.e. did the agency/university negotiate) and how did you determine the price for this purchase is considered fair and reasonable?

8. Will this purchase obligate the State to this vendor for future purchases such as maintenance, licensing or continuing need?

8a. If yes, please provide details regarding future obligations and/or needs:

9. What will be the financial or other impact to the State if this sole source is not approved and a competitive bid is required?

10. Is there any additional information you would like to add to justify this sole source?

Section VII Requesting Department Signature Required I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed.

State Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director Approval and Signature Required I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed. (All prior form fields will lock once this e-signature is completed) SPO Approval and Signature Required Sole Source Justification Form - Part II Section I - General Information Was a Sole Source hearing held per 30 ILCS 500/20-25?

Section II - Sole Source Hearing Details The State posted to the Illinois Procurement Bulletin a description of the State's need, the justification for the sole source decision, and information regarding the opportunity to submit comments and testify at a public hearing. Notice of the hearing was also posted outside of the hearing room 48 hours prior to the hearing.

The public hearing was conducted for the purpose of receiving testimony regarding the sole source determination. The Hearing Officer recommends the following:

The following relevant documents are attached:

Section III - CPO Approval and Signature Required 9.0.0.2.20101008.1.734229

IBIS uses state of the art optical and electronic technology to acquire images of the primer, firing pin, or ejector marked areas of fired cartridge cases. Using sophisticated algorithms, the images entered into the database are correlated against other images using filters such as caliber, date of offense, firing pin shape, etc. These correlations produce lists of candidates that are ranked numerically by category (firing pin, breech face, ejector). The examiners reviewing the correlations can compare the candidates to the image they entered. NIBIN is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in operation in the United States.

Links made through the use of NIBIN allow for previously unrelated crime scenes to be associated to the same firearm providing valuable investigative information to law enforcement agencies.

The BATFE currently funds the IBIS equipment in the Chicago, Joliet, and Metro-East laboratories. The BATFE requires that ISP enter all suitable evidence into IBIS within 2 business days or the BATFE may pull the equipment from the ISP. Failure to procure this additional equipment will lead to delays in testing that could jeopardize the current BATFE equipment in ISP laboratories. See 5.2.1.3 of BATFE Minimum Required Operating Standards attachment.

Q10Answer: Failure to obtain the additional equipment will result in delays in providing this service to law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Illinois which means valuable investigative information will not be provided in a timely manner. This lack of information linking previously unrelated crime scenes will lead to cases being unsolved and violent offenders remaining at large to commit additional crimes.

NIBIN Cartridge Cases Acquisition, Analysis & Triage Package, comprising:

- Four (4) BRASSTRAX Acquisition Stations (2 Chicago, 1 Joliet, 1 Metro-East)

- Three (3) MATCHPOINT Analysis Stations for Cartridge Cases (1 Chicago, 1 Joliet, 1 Metro-East) $812,596

The Illinois State Police will be under no further obligation to the vendor after this contract.