SAM VSC9000 QDU FY25 (final version).pdf

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE DIVISION | PROCUREMENT SECTION

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN

FULL AND OPEN COMPETTITION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION IN ACCORDANCE WITH

TITLE 41 U.S.C. 3304 (A)(1)

LESS THAN THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD OF $250,000.00

Requisition Number: SHOP-PR-25-000957

Date: January 31, 2025

Estimated Grand Total:

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Procurement Section (PS), National Acquisition Programs Unit (NAPU) has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition for a Foster and Freeman USA, Inc. VSC9000 Instrument with an external camera on behalf of the Questioned Documents Unit (QDU), Laboratory Division (LD).

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 action shall be a one-time, firm-fixed-price (FFP), open-market (O/M), sole-source, commercial product contract to Foster and Freeman USA, Inc., (CAGE Code 3H9H4), 20145 Ashbrook Place, Suite 190, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147, USA for one (1) VSC9000 Instrument with an external camera. The delivery of the VSC9000 Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) will be to the FBI Academy Campus, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, Virginia, 22135 and shall be ten (10) weeks after the date of the award.

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

The VSC9000 Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) is manufactured by and is only available from Foster and Freeman. The VSC must be capable of capturing macroscopic and microscopic digital images under an array of visible and alternate light sources.

The VSC9000 meets or exceeds the following technical requirements:

• Light source(s) with spectral output across the visible and near infrared region (400 nm – 1,000 nm, at a minimum).

• Ultraviolet light source(s) within each of the UVA (~365 nm), UVB (~312 nm), and UVC (~254 nm) regions.

• Infrared laser/LED capable of collecting Anti-Stokes imaging.

• Light source capable of producing adjustable, narrow band illumination from ~400 nm to ~700 nm.

• Light source capable of capturing transmitted light images for both visible and ultraviolet.

• Light source capable of generating oblique lighting.

• Microspectrophotometer with a spectral range of 400 – 1000 nm and spectral resolution of 2 nm.

• Dual camera imaging setup with high resolution (greater than 10MP each) cameras sensitive across the entire wavelength range (350nm to ~1100 nm).

• Able to capture a full letter-sized page on a single image (without image stitching).

• Motorized stage capable of manipulating the placement of a document using the software.

• Have adjustable flaps to accommodate oversized documents which have safety switches to ensure the examiner is not exposed to ultraviolet or laser/LED radiation when using these sources.

• A collection of no less than eight long pass filters for infrared imaging.

• On-screen magnification requirement of at least 400x, (at least 80x of that must be optical zoom).

• Minimum 12” (w) x 12” (l) x 3” (h) chamber size.

• Power cables for North American power outlets.

• The external camera must be compatible with a Leica M205 C stereomicroscope.

• The external camera has a minimum resolution of 20 MP.

• The external camera will be interfaced with VSC9000 software.

• Software is capable of exporting images and spectral data into non-proprietary file formats.

• Software can allow for multiple user logins, (user profiles/workstations).

• Software allows for camera and filter controls to include both automatic and manual camera exposure and shutter control settings.

• Software allows for the capture, storage, and image manipulation (image addition, image subtraction, image mosaics), of both live and stored images simultaneously.

• Software with an automated examination feature that allows the user to pre-select from a collection of imaging options; press a button; and have the software drive the collection of relevant images without further user input.

• Software automatically reads common 1D and 2D barcodes.

• Software can interface with a standalone version of Keesing Document Checker Database, (non-networked, no cloud access).

Currently, QDU has a VSC6000 Video Spectral Comparator, which was manufactured by and purchased from Foster and Freeman USA, Inc. on September 14th, 2009, via Purchase Order (PO) Number DJFA9N902911. The grand total was $94,076.39.

This proposed contract will include the following:

• VSC9000 PRO with Monitor and Spectrometer

• VSC9000 Suite Software

• Wired Keyboard and Mouse

• 20 Megapixel Colour External Camera for the External Microscope

• On-site Installation and Training Services

• Shipping and Handling Charges to Quantico, VA, 22135

• 24 Month Standard Warranty from the Date of Installation

4. The statutory authority permitting 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 the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1 entitled, “Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.”

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

The FBI purchased the VSC6000 Video Spectral Comparator in 2009. The sole-source acquisition of the VSC9000 instrument is supported by the following reasons:

The FBI’s QDU Examiners are already trained, experienced users of VSC instruments, minimizing training requirements. By minimizing the time needed for training, testing, and validation of this instrument, the QDU will be able to focus on using the new VSC9000 instrument for casework and complete outstanding casework quicker.

To ensure long-term support, unlimited free technical support is available by phone or email and free software updates for as long as the FBI owns the VSC9000 Instrument.

Foster and Freeman USA, Inc., has no less than ten (10) technical full-time employees based in the USA to provide on-site training and technical support. Moreover, their service engineers are located within 250 miles of Quantico for emergency repair work, if needed.

Foster and Freeman USA, Inc. is offering a ten (10) percent discount on the VSC9000 and the external camera with the trade-in of the VSC6000 instrument.

The technical specifications of the Foster and Freeman VSC9000 instrument will include:

• 12MP camera with full resolution available for both live and saved images.

• Maximum field of view 310 x 232mm to image letter-sized documents without image-stitching.

• Up to 480X magnification on 32” 4K UHD monitor.

• 18 long-pass camera filters to differentiate inks.

• 100% LED UV lighting options at 254nm, 313nm, 365nm and 395nm.

• Software controlled motorized XY stage with step movement down to 10μm and total travel of 60mm x 45mm.

• Integrated microspectrometer allowing measurements 400 to 1000nm with a resolution of 2nm and approx. 39μm diameter sampling point.

• MIC toolbox to assist in visualizing MIC/CPS codes.

• AI assisted MRZ recognition.

• New patented Coaxial Illumination Array (Patent GB2602793A) with on-axis contrast improvement and off-axis visualization of sub-surface features.

• 3D-imaging of document surface using white or infrared illumination.

• Self-diagnostics.

• Integration with Keesing reference document databases.

• Optional Officially licensed decoding capability for IPI security features. (Under license from the patent holders, Graphic Security Systems Corporation.)

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 the notice of intent to award a sole-source contract on the SAM.gov website. This announcement will give an opportunity for other vendors to demonstrate their ability to meet the FBI’s specific needs through the 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.

Before awarding a contract, the Contracting Officer will perform a determination of price reasonableness in accordance with FAR 13.106-3 and supported by FAR 13.106-3(a)(2)(ii), “Comparison of the proposed price with prices found reasonable on previous purchases.”

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

Market research was done by examining pertinent specifications and capabilities from vendor web sites, reviewing catalogs, multiple emails to potential vendors, and other available product literature published by manufacturers, distributors, and dealers. Market research revealed that Foster and Freeman USA, Inc., is the only manufacturer and reseller of the VSC9000 Video Spectral Comparator.

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

See section 5 above.

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

A synopsis will be posted on the SAM.gov website. This synopsis will give an opportunity for other vendors to demonstrate their ability to meet the FBI’s specific needs through the submission of technical capabilities and cost information.

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

The FBI will continue to conduct market surveys and research available through industry shows and technology releases in the form of papers and journals on subsequent acquisitions.

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

Reviews and Approvals (not exceeding $750,000.00)

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.

Date Management and Program Analyst Questioned Documents Unit Quantico, Virginia

Date Document Analyst Questioned Documents Unit Quantico, Virginia

Contracting Officer:

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

Bryan Lane Date National Acquisition and Programs Unit Quantico, Virginia bvlane@fbi.gov mailto:bvlane@fbi.gov