RFI-Trace Filter.docx

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE AND FACILITIES DIVISION | PROCUREMENT SECTION

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Trace Evidence Filter RFI-07002025-Trace Filter

DISCLAIMER:

This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a request for proposal (RFP) or quote. It is not a solicitation and should not be interpreted as a commitment by the government. Responses are not considered offers, and the government holds no obligation to award a contract based on this notice. No funds are available for response preparation or sample submissions. Participation is strictly voluntary, and submitted samples (if applicable) will not be returned.

INTRODUCTION

Responses to this Request for Information (RFI) will help define final requirements and identify qualified vendors capable of meeting them. The following description presents preliminary requirements envisioned for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI. Information gathered through this process may contribute to developing acquisition strategies for competitive solicitations.

Background of Mission

The Evidence Response Team Unit (ERTU) supports FBI field office Evidence Response Teams (ERTs) in systematic and professional evidence collection by providing training, equipment, and forensic expertise. As forensic science evolves, documentation methods must also advance.

ERTs operate globally, often in challenging and extreme environments, yet they consistently perform their duties efficiently and professionally.

One frequent aspect of ERT investigations is trace evidence collection, commonly performed using removable trace vacuum filters attached to a vacuum to ensure thorough and accurate evidence retrieval.

Background of Technology

Evidence Response Teams (ERTs) use various techniques to collect trace evidence, including hand-collection with tweezers, forceps, tape, and vacuum devices. These methods fall into two primary categories:

· Individual collection, where single pieces of evidence are removed manually.

· Mass collection, where multiple pieces are gathered using tape or vacuum devices, allowing retrieval of deeply embedded or microscopic traces that may not be visible to the human eye.

Mass collection offers greater efficiency, reducing processing time while capturing a broader range of trace evidence. Vacuum collection is the preferred method for large crime scenes or areas where non-visible trace evidence is present but difficult to collect manually. This approach is typically employed after individual collection efforts have been completed, following guidelines set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) 2023‐N‐0027 Standard for Forensic Trace Evidence Recovery, Section 10.5.6.

Current Market Research

Market research has been performed through internet searches, attendance at industry conferences and trade shows, and conversations with market representatives. Currently (as of 27 February 2025), trace evidence filters have been identified as being sold by:

Sirchie: Sirchie sells one filter as part of two different packages – (1) packaged with a crevice attachment (SKU 619E1), priced at $22.33/each and (2) packaged with a furniture and carpet attachment (SKU 619E2), priced at $16.56/each. The filters attach via a 1.25 inches inner diameter (ID) coupling that extends approximately 1.4 inches. The filters are advertised as retaining >90% of particles from 3-10 microns and 99.9% above 10 microns. Sirchie had intermittent supply chain issues between 2022-2023, but currently does not appear to have a limited supply. Additionally, the Sirchie filters are re-sold by third-party re-sellers, including ATRIX and Arrowhead.

Static Control Systems (SCS): SCS sells one filter, the FF-1, priced at $22.88. The SCS website does not list any technical information about the filter other than unit weight. SCS’s website notes that there are only 475 units available at this time. It should be noted that based on the photograph of the filter on SCS’s website, it appears the filter is similar to a prior filter sold by 3M which was removed from production several years earlier. If this is the case, this may be the remaining stock of this filter.

Latent Forensic Services (LFS): LFS sells one filter, priced at $33.99. The filters attach via a 1.2 inches ID coupling that extends approximately 1.4 inches. The filters are advertised as manufactured with U15 PTFE (99.9995% Efficiency) Filtration Media, and has been independently tested to exceed .(99.97% efficiency at .3 Micron) efficiency. LFS does not appear to have a limited supply. LFS advertises this filter as “replac[ing] Desco, SCS and 3M trace evidence filters”.

Technical Specifications:

· Must have an inner diameter at the junction of the filter and the vacuum starting at 1.2 inches (±0.0125 inches) and tapering to 1.25 inches (±0.0125 inches) at termination of the junction.

· Must have a depth of junction between filter and vacuum of not less than one (1) inch.

· Filter assembly must be able to be easily mechanically separated into at least two halves, allowing access to internal filter; however, filter assembly should not separate during the collection process.

· All locations where parts of filter assembly meet must be completely sealed by a single piece of marked, tamper-resistant tape.

· Both (1) junction of filter assembly and vacuum, and (2) termination of filter assembly must be able to be sealed/capped with easily removable and replaceable hard non-permeable covers/seals/plugs.

· Must be able to operate with standard personal vacuum cleaners (e.g. shop vacuums, dust vacuum, etc.)

Environmental Specifications

· Must be dust and water resistant to at least IP54 standards when capped at both openings.

· Must withstand temperature variance from 0°F to 120°F.

Security Specifications

Must be packaged in a hermetically sealed container to prevent contamination and tampering prior to use.

Seam seals must be wrapped in a single piece of marked, tamper-resistant tape.

CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

This RFI is open to all business contractors for market research purposes only. The Government would like to know which firms can provide a product meeting the requirements listed above by identifying themselves, responding to this RFI.

The Government requests the following information to be in:

1. Company name, UEI number, NACIS code, and business size.

2. Provide evidence to show that your company can provide the required products (i.e., technical ability, personnel, and experience).

3. Address whether your company has a GSA Schedule and if they can provide these products on schedule. If able to provide the product on schedule, provide the schedule and SIN.

4. Information provided shall be succinct and related to the requested information in this RFI. All submissions shall be unclassified.

Required Information:

Contractor Legal/DBA Name:

Address:

Point of Contact:

Telephone:

Email Address:

UEI Number:

Cage Code:

Facility Clearance (if applicable):

Applicable NAICS Codes:

Standard Business Size:

GSA Schedule:

NASA SEWP Contract:

DISCLAIMER

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for informational and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. The government is not committed to issuing a solicitation or awarding a contract as a result of this announcement.

Per FAR 15.202(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted to form a binding contract. Additionally, no funds are available to cover the costs of response preparation or sample submissions. Participation is strictly voluntary, and submitted information will not be compensated or returned.

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR RESPONSE:

All interested parties shall submit capability packages in response to this notice.

1. Do submit succinct, thoughtful responses to the requirements/questions listed in this RFI.

2. Do submit comments that address the FBI's requirements, assumptions, conditions, or contemplated approaches to this future acquisition.

3. Do submit information and suggestions that may encourage new, different, or innovative approaches that would result in products, solutions, and direct savings to the FBI.

WHAT SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN YOUR RESPONSE:

1. Do not submit proposals or offers.

2. Do not submit past performance information or general descriptions of corporate experience.

3. Do not submit requests to be considered for award or to be notified of a future solicitation.

4. Do not submit requests to be added to a mailing list or distribution list.

5. Do not submit questions or comments not related to this RFI.

6. Do not respond via telephone.

RFI SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Questions shall be emailed to the below listed point of contact. Questions are due by 5:00 PM EST, August 25, 2025.

Submissions to this RFI shall be emailed to the below listed point of contact. Submissions are due by 5:00 PM EST, September 01, 2025.

Contracting Point of Contact: Adelle Bolton Email: albolton@fbi.gov image1.jpg image2.png