OSK - PRO_LSJ_Brand_Name_Below_SAT FAR 8_Redacted.pdf

Brand Name Limited-Sources Justification (B-LSJ)

For orders or BPAs exceeding the micro-purchase threshold and below simplified acquisition threshold

LSJ No: FY24-0043 Page 1 of 3

Brand Name Limited-Sources Justification

1. Agency and Contracting Activity.

The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Office of Contracting, proposes to award an order, on behalf of the Forensic Services Division (FSD)’s National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) section, pursuant to FAR 8.405-6, Limiting Sources.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

USSS intends to limit the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contractors solicited to a particular brand name product, or a feature of a product, peculiar to one manufacturer. A brand name item, whether available on one or more schedule contracts, is an item peculiar to one manufacturer.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) section of the Forensic Services Division (FSD) has discovered the needed to purchase an additional four (4) Live Scan Fingerprinting Kits. The USSS intends to award a sole source contract using the General Services Administration (GSA) award schedule without seeking competition to the proposed contractor:

HID Global, 7121 Fairway Drive Suite 200, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33418

3. Description of Supplies/Services.

The United States Secret Service (USSS) Forensic Services Division (FSD) National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) provides support to the Operation Safe Kids (OSK) program. The purpose of this Firm-Fixed Price procurement is to obtain four (4) Portable Live Scan Fingerprint Kits for use by the United States Secret Service (USSS) Operation Safe Kids (OSK) program. The portable Live Scan fingerprint kits, must be automated, allow increased throughput and processing without jeopardizing accuracy or precision, allow flexibility of method development and portability of methods/data across multiple units and be a self-contained mobile ID unit. The portable fingerprint kits shall be offered as a fully functional system, complete and installed in a single self-contained custom case, with fingerprint analysis software to ensure quality fingerprints and system set-up within 30 seconds. Each kit must completely house a laptop computer, laptop cooler, a gear head mouse, keyboard, portable camera w/ mini-tripod, and a fingerprint scanner. Proposed Contract Amount: $28,843.72

Delivery Date: Ninety (90) days after the award.

4. Authority and supporting rationale.

The proposed order will be placed or established under the authority of the Multiple-Award Schedule Program, 41 U.S.C. 152(3), Competitive Procedures, and 40 U.S.C. 501, Services for Executive Agencies. Pursuant to FAR 8.405-6(b), this brand name specification must be used because FSD/NCMEC has an existing inventory of two (2) Live Scan Fingerprinting Kits procured from HID Global. These devices are located in Field Offices and are compatible with local law enforcement owned devices. In order to ensure new devices, integrate with currently operational equipment as well as local and state police departments, it is imperative that any additional devices also be procured from HID Global.

Only one source

Cost Savings: The incumbent vendor offers the desired unit at a lower price than the competitor. This represents a direct cost-saving opportunity for the government.

Vendor Relationship: Continued business with the incumbent vendor can foster a stronger partnership, potentially leading to better terms and support in the future.

Reduced Administrative Overhead: Sole sourcing from the incumbent vendor may reduce the administrative overhead associated with new vendor vetting, contract negotiations, and onboarding processes. Introducing a new platform into the field would cause an undue burden for personnel interfacing with local law enforcement as the incumbent vendor’s unit is used by law enforcement throughout the country. Compatibility issues will be mitigated by procuring additional units manufactured by HID Global.

Potential for Bulk Discounts: Purchasing a large quantity from a single vendor could open the opportunity for volume discounts or more favorable terms.

Mitigate Transition Costs: Switching to a different brand and model might incur additional transition costs, including potential downtime, retraining, and system adjustments. However, HID Global offers a superior product due to its robust design and elimination of printers thus eliminating regular maintenance and costly ink purchases.

Compatibility to existing systems or equipment

Consistency & Compatibility: The USSS currently has two HID Global units in operation. These units have been trouble free. Purchasing the same brand and model ensures compatibility with the existing units already owned and operational in the field.

This will reduce any integration challenges and associated costs with introducing another platform to operational personnel.

Simplified Training and Operations: Having a consistent brand and model simplifies training for users and reduces the likelihood of operational errors. Users in the field will have one platform to learn and operate and will be able to pick right back up in any office without a delay due to unfamiliarity with an unknown platform.

Maintenance and Support: Dealing with a single brand and model can streamline maintenance processes, spare parts inventory, and support requirements, potentially leading to further long-term cost savings. Having one point of contact for warranty repairs and maintenance will ease the administrative burden in the field.

Supply Chain Efficiency: Working with the incumbent vendor might ensure a more streamlined and predictable procurement process, given the established relationship and familiarity. The incumbent vendor has proven their ability to meet our requirements and is familiar with our procurement process and requirements.

Reduced Risk: Introducing a different brand and model can introduce new risks related to integration, operation, and maintenance. Sticking with the known and tested brand and model reduces these risks.

The results of recent market research indicate other companies’ similar products lack the particular/unique feature(s) required and do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the needs of USSS.

Market research performed in 2024 indicated that HID Global Jump Kit offers a superior platform in comparison to its closest comparable competitor EZ Child ID. HID Global provides a more compact unit, optimizing transportability. The previously purchased units were procured from this vendor, in part, due to their use by the military, law enforcement, and the Department of Homeland Security. The USSS Field Offices frequently work with local law enforcement personnel to support Operation Safe Kids (OSK) objectives. Compatibility with law enforcement partner’s systems is imperative to collaborative efforts and introducing a different, incompatible system into the mix, would be detrimental to combined OSK efforts.

Procuring additional portable fingerprint kit units will enhance our collaboration with other vetted government personnel. By aligning with the incumbent vendor, the USSS ensures seamless continuity in maintenance, training, and program administration throughout the field and resident offices. The suggested contracting mechanism for this effort is to sole source all required portable fingerprinting kits from HID Global.

5. USSS intends to post this requirement on e-Buy pursuant to FAR 8.405-6(b)(3)(i)(A).

6. Contracting Officer Certification and Approval.

I hereby determine that the circumstance(s) described herein exist and that the information is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.