SSJ - TubeWriter- Sam.gov.pdf

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE AND FACILITIES DIVISION | PROCUREMENT SECTION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION IN ACCORDANCE WITH 41 U.S.C. 3304 (A) (1)

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-26-001369

Date: 03/30/2026

Estimated Contract Dollar Value:

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Acquisition Programs Unit (NAPU), has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition for Tube & Vial Labeling Machine on behalf of the Laboratory Division (LD), Biometrics Analysis Section (BAS), DNA Support Unit (DSU).

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved, i.e., sole source, limited competition, establishment of a new source, etc.

It is the intent of the DNA Support Unit (DSU), Finance Division, to acquire a firm fixed price contract for TubeWriter LLC. The period of performance will be for one (1) year.

This justification supports a sole-source procurement of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the Automated Tube & Vial Labeling Machine to be used by DSU.

The Tubewriter 400 is an inkjet printer that can print directly on tubes, vials, plates, slides, and custom labware with durable UV-curable ink. It delivers high-speed performance and flexible format support for demanding lab environments.

It is already being used by the DNA Casework Unit (DCU) to print information directly on reagent and sample tubes used during the process of extracting and typing casework samples. The Tubewriter is vital to this operation, as it eliminates the need to hand-label or to use stickers which could slip off tubes.

3.

The requirement is to provide an Automated Tube & Vial Labeling Machine to be used by DSU at an estimated total cost of . This will allow the DNA Support Unit (DSU) to accomplish its mission of printing information directly on reagent and sample tubes used during the process of extracting and typing casework samples.

The Tubewriter 400 is the only known commercially available system that meets all the following mandatory requirements:

Direct printing onto curved plastic tubes (no labels required) Cryogenic-resistant, chemical-resistant ink that withstands liquid nitrogen, ethanol, isopropanol, and freeze thaw cycles Compatibility with multiple tube diameters without requiring proprietary carriers or adapters High-resolution printing on curved surfaces suitable for barcodes and small-font text Low-maintenance operation with no robotic handling, label rolls, or consumable adhesives non-peeling, non-smearing identification on tubes stored in extreme conditions. No other product on the market provides this combination of features.

4. The statutory authority permits other than full and open competition.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-

5. Demonstrate the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of authority.

TubeWriter, LLC is uniquely qualified to provide these services to Biometrics Analysis Section (BAS), DNA Support Unit (DSU) based upon the following:

TubeWriter is a Small Minority Owned Business specializing in automated, direct-to-labware printing systems designed for the life sciences industry, offering solutions to replace, hand-labeling with, permanent, cryogenic-resistant, and solvent-resistant, identifiers for, tubes, vials, and plates. Its flagship products, the TubeWriter 400, enable high-throughput labs to directly print barcodes and text. The FBI previously procured this same item as a sole-source acquisition under contract 15F06724P0000769 in 2024

The DNA Units historically had three of the predecessor Tubewriter 360 units, and DCU purchased a single Tubewriter 400 a few years ago which has been in continuous use. As far as other brands, I do not know of any other system that is able to function in the same way with the speed and ink durability required for our process. The Tubewriter 400 is named in our protocols as the equipment we must use for tube labeling.

Product Information:

Brand: TubeWriter Item: TubeWriter 400 Item No.: TW-400A Description: TubeWriter 400 Direct High-Speed Alphanumeric Printing System for Labware Quantity: 1 (to include installation, training, one-year ink subscription & 1- year Platinum-TW400 service care Total:

owned company.

TubeWriter is the primary manufacturer and supplier of the TubeWriter 400.

TubeWriter is the sole source for the TubeWriter 400 No alternative manufacturer produces the TubeWriter 400 Substitutions would require revaluation of all systems and potentially new equipment which would incur significant costs along with operational disruption.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.1 and, if not, which exception under 5.101 applies.

Market Research was conducted on GSA Advantage. The award is for small businesses with a product that is compatable to the TubeWriter - Automated Tube & Vial Labeling Machine and with the needs of DSU.

Conducted market research on GSA Advantage on 3/24/2026, with 5-vendors.

Specs have been sent Contacted knowledgeable individuals in Government and industry regarding market capabilities to meet requirements. Yes, the Tech-POC was contacted Reviewed the results of recent market research undertaken to meet similar or identical requirements. Yes, it resulted in finding large to midsize businesses (Fisher Scientific, PNW Scientific, and Computype ), that have Automated Tube & Vial Labeling Machines. Research was also conducted on GSA Advantage for small companies that have this type of instrument.

7. The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition, including options if applicable, and a determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition, inclusive of all required components and any applicable options, is estimated to be fair and reasonable based on current market pricing for comparable laboratory identification systems. The Contracting Officer has reviewed equipment, and confirmed that no additional charges beyond the quoted amount are expected.

Given the unique technical capabilities of the Tubewriter 400 and the absence of equivalent products in the marketplace, the proposed cost is consistent with the specialized nature of the requirement. The Contracting Officer has therefore determined that the anticipated cost to the Government is fair and reasonable.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results.

Market research was conducted to identify potential sources capable of providing a tube-printing or tube-following steps were taken:

1. GSA Advantage Search (03/24/2026) A search was conducted on GSA Advantage on March 24, 2026, reviewing five vendors offering tube-labeling or laboratory identification equipment. Technical specifications were sent to these vendors for review.

The market research period closed with no responses received from any of the contacted vendors, indicating that none could meet the stated requirements.

2. Consultation with Knowledgeable Individuals The technical point of contact (Tech-POC) was consulted to validate the functional requirements and assess market capabilities. The Tech-POC confirmed that the required features specifically direct-to-tube printing, cryogenic durability, and compatibility across multiple tube formats are not commonly available in commercial labeling systems.

3. Review of Recent Market Research for Similar Requirements Previous market research for similar laboratory identification needs identified several large and mid -sized businesses, including Fisher Scientific, PNW Scientific, and Computype. These vendors offer automated tube and vial labeling machines, but all rely on adhesive labels rather than direct printing. Additional research was conducted on GSA Advantage to identify small businesses offering comparable instruments; however, these systems also relied on label-based workflows and did not meet the required technical specifications.

4. Review of Existing Contracts and Vendor Capabilities TubeWriter LLC is a small minority-owned business and the sole manufacturer and only authorized seller of the Tubewriter product line. They are the only known provider capable of performing preventative maintenance, labor, software upgrades, and warranty support for the Tubewriter 400. The manufacturer has stated that any work performed by third -party vendors would not be covered under warranty or service agreements. No existing contracts were identified that provide an alternative source capable of meeting the requirement.

Market Research Conclusion The results of the market research demonstrate that while several companies offer automated tube and vial labeling systems, none provide the required capability to print directly onto tubes without labels, nor can they meet the durability, compatibility, and vendor capable of supplying the required instrument and associated support services.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

10. A listing of any sources that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

A synopsis was issued in the Contract Opportunities on 3/26/2027, to find the most compatible seller for the Tube & Vial Labeling Machine. TubeWriter meets the requirements for being a small minority owned business whose product we already use.

Percival Scientific, Inc.

MG Scientific, Inc.

11. A statement of any actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition, if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

If future acquisitions of similar equipment are anticipated, the agency will continue to conduct thorough market research to determine whether additional vendors have entered the market with comparable capabilities. This will include periodic reviews of GSA Advantage, outreach to both large and small businesses, and engagement with industry experts to monitor technological developments in tube-labeling and direct-printing systems. The agency will also reassess technical requirements to determine whether evolving commercial solutions may meet mission needs without reliance on a single manufacturer.

At present, TubeWriter LLC is the sole manufacturer and only authorized seller capable of providing the Tubewriter 400 and its associated preventative maintenance, software updates, and warranty support. Because third-party service providers are not authorized and would void warranty coverage, competition is inherently limited. However, the agency will continue to monitor the marketplace for emerging technologies or new entrants that may offer direct-to-tube printing or equivalent capabilities in the future. Should viable alternatives become available, the agency will evaluate them to promote competition in subsequent procurements.