Justification_For_Other_Than_Full_and_Open_Competition_-_1363B.pdf

Requisition Numbers: DJF-17-0700-PR-0001363 Version 1.0 Page 1 of 5

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE DIVISION | PROCUREMENT SECTION

JUSTIFICATION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION IN ACCORDANCE WITH

AUTHORITY 41 U.S.C. 1901

Requisition Numbers: DJF-17-0700-PR-0001363

Date: 08/21/2017

Estimated Contract Dollar Value: $168,400.00

The following justification for the purchase of supplies or services that is entered into or proposed to be entered into after soliciting for a brand name or equal is prepared in accordance with Federal

Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 13.5, Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial

Items. This procurement is being conducted under the authority 41 USC 1901.

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Science and Technology

Contracts Unit, has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition for twelve

(12) Labconco Capture BT Fuming Chambers on behalf of the Evidence Response Team Unit, Laboratory Division.

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

The proposed contract will be a one-time, firm fixed price, brand name or equal for twelve (12)

Labconco Capture BT Fuming Chambers, Product Number: 3170000-25382A with Mobile

Stand, Product Number: 3182900 and Single Wire Shelf, Product Number: 3181511LC.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs.

The Evidence Response Team requires twelve (12) Labconco Capture Bench Top

Cyanoacrylate Fuming Chambers, Product Number: 3170000-25382A with Mobile Stand, Product Number: 3182900 and Single Wire Shelf, Product Number: 3181511LC.

Technical Requirements:

1. Must be a completely sealed Super Glue Fuming (SGF) chamber

a. Must include a mobile cart

i. Cart must be large enough to securely hold chamber

Requisition Numbers: DJF-17-0700-PR-0001363 Version 1.0 Page 2 of 5

ii. Cart must have casters to allow for portability

iii. Cart must be small enough that when combined with chamber the entire unit will fit through a doorway, maximum width 48” and maximum height 84”

iv. Cart must include storage

b. Must include a re-circulatory ductless filtration system

i. Exhaust fan

ii. Pre-filter

iii. Multi-layered carbon filter with 500 cycle life span

iv. Must include electronic door lock to prevent opening during the fuming cycle

v. Exhausting or purging of unit must continue for a minimum of thirty minutes after the cycle ends

vi. Purging of unit must be maintained while main door of chamber is open

vii. Must have a standby exhaust mode to refresh chamber air when chamber is not in use

c. Must include a humidity source external to main gluing chamber but contained within the unit as a whole

d. Minimum interior dimensions of 25”W x 25”D and have a minimum volume of 18.5 cubic feet.

e. Interior surface of chamber must be type 304 stainless steel

f. Chamber door must be made with tempered safety glass

g. Must include interior LED lighting

h. Must include interior shelving support that can accommodate up to four shelves, eight half shelves, and/or 16 rods

i. ECM recirculation blower to move air through the chamber during the humidifying and fuming cycles

j. Must have a high temperature hotplate able to reach minimum temperature of 300

Celsius in eight minutes and maintaining temperature +/- 1 Celsius during entire fuming cycle

k. Must have full automation of fuming process

i. Color LCD display for fuming parameters, preferences, and options

ii. Adjustable chamber humidity up to 80% +/- 5% relative humidity

iii. Adjustable pre-fuming humidity dwelling

iv. Adjustable fuming temperature up to 315 Celsius

v. Diagnostic mode to calibrate sensors

vi. Filter life counter

vii. Audible/visual alert for program cycle completion

l. Must include an automated weigh boat drop adaptation

i. Holds weigh boat with glue away from hotplate until set temperature is reached

ii. Drops weigh boat automatically to start microburst fuming process

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

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This is a procurement conducted under the statutory permitting this brand name justification, 41

U.S.C. 1901/1903; Simplified Acquisition Procedures, as implemented by the procedures in FAR subpart 13.5, Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items.

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

The Labconco Capture Bench Top Cyanoacrylate Fuming Chamber was specifically adapted to meet the needs and criteria of latent print processing with cyanoacrylate (super glue). The chamber combines several features that we have been unable to find in other chambers on the market. Most importantly it includes an automatic weigh dish release allowing for a more efficient and safe process that is also essential for reliable and reproducible results. In addition it provides the ability to purge while idle, full operational control with microprocessor controlled operating system, and a fully digitally controlled chamber allowing for better calibration and control. The chamber allows for proper calibration with appropriate standards by having fully adjustable digital controls, especially the digital hotplate.

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 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

The FBI will publicize this requirement on the Federal Business Opportunities website. This announcement will give the opportunity for other vendors to demonstrate their ability to meet the

FBI’s specific needs through a submission of technical capabilities and cost information.

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.

See estimate contract value, above. Before awarding a contract, the Contracting Officer will determine that the proposed price is fair and reasonable in accordance with FAR 13.106-3

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

The Evidence Response Team Unit has met with forensic vendors, conducted field tests of various different chambers, conducted internet research, and have consulted with subject matter experts from the Latent Print Operations Unit (LPOU). The LPOU Laboratory Program

Manager has been to multiple forensic conferences and met with multiple forensic vendors.

Based on the information gleaned from that research, the LPOU does not know of any other manufacturer who has built a chamber meeting the requirements meet by the Labconco Capture

Bench Top Cyanoacrylate Fuming Chamber. Additional information concerning the market has been obtained through previous procurement efforts. Based upon all available information, ERTU has determined the Labconco Capture Bench Top Cyanoacrylate Fuming Chamber best fits the needs for the Evidence Response Team’s mission.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/html/Subpart%205_2.html#wp1107980 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/html/Subpart%205_2.html#wp1107990

Requisition Numbers: DJF-17-0700-PR-0001363 Version 1.0 Page 4 of 5

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

Our current SGF chambers must be calibrated once a year. The purchase of the Labconco

Capture Bench Top Cyanoacrylate Fuming Chamber could potentially allow cost savings because we would no longer require the calibration service as the digital display indicate the exact temperature and would show if the temperature and humidity was not to the specified setting. One of the requirements of this procurement is that the chamber allow for easy calibration and certification either done internally or by any external vendor. In either case there will be a direct cost savings to the government.

The current chambers in use by the Evidence Response Teams (ERT) only allow for partial processing of items in the field and require repeat processing by examiners in the lab. This extra processing has the potential to harm evidence and costs the government money that would otherwise be saved.

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

A synopsis will be posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website requesting that parties express their interest in writing to the Contracting Officer.

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

The agency will continue to communicate their technical requirements to industry in an effort to make continual improvements to the super glue fuming process that meet the agency’s need.

Requisition Numbers: DJF-17-0700-PR-0001363 Version 1.0 Page 5 of 5

Reviews and Approvals (Not exceeding $700,000)

Requestor:

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this justification and which form a basis for this justification, are complete and accurate.

Michael D. Grabber Date

Signature

Contracting Officer:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Jerry D. Varnell Date

Signature