SSJ IBIS.docx

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

FAR Part 6 Requisition Number: Insert Requisition Number

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION IN ACCORDANCE WITH 41 USC 253 Requisition Number: Insert Requisition Number

Date: January 6, 2020 Estimated Contract Dollar Value: ***

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laboratory Division (LD), has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition for a 12 month warranty for the IBIS BRASSTRAX Acquisition System on behalf of the Firearms/Toolmarks 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.

This Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition is being prepared in accordance with the authority of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source. The proposed firm-fixed price contract is being issued to Forensic Technology to provide a 12 month warranty for their IBIS BRASSTRAX Acquisition System currently utilized by the Firearms/Toolmarks Unit. This is needed to allow LD examiners and technicians the ability to enter bullet and casing evidence into the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) unit.

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

LD proposes that Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology Inc. located at 7975 114th Avenue North, Suite 2500, Largo, FL 33773, be awarded a sole-source contract to provide an IBIS BRASSTRAX Acquisition System for the FTU. The FBI LD relies upon the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network to conduct searches nationwide of cartridge cases that are submitted through casework or generated through test fires of firearms submitted in casework to identify potential links between crimes not known to be connected. The LD is also expecting to see an influx of firearms from across the country and currently only have one IBIS station. By having only one IBIS TRAX-HD3D Solution station available for searching the National Index, a backlog to occur. LD currently performs close to 800-1000 NIBIN searches a year. The ATF controls the NIBIN Database, it subcontracts with Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology Inc. for the algorithm and development of software and instrumentation, and as a result, Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology Inc. is the only source to provide this warranty.

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

The statutory authority for conducting this acquisition is 41 U.S.C. 253 (c)(1). The regulatory authority is FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source.

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

Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology Inc. developed the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) machine and they are the only company that provides the necessary warranty for the systems.

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.

Soliciting for other offers other than from Forensic Technology is not practical since they are the developer of the IBIS machine.

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.

Prior to awarding a firm-fixed price contract, a cost and price analysis will be conducted by the Contracting Officer to determine that all costs/prices are fair and reasonable.

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

Please see item 6.

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

Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology Inc. is the only vendor capable of providing the required warranty.

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

Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology Inc. located at 7975 114th Avenue North, Suite 2500, Largo, FL 33773.

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

While circumstances do not permit full and open competition for this acquisition, the Government will continue looking for ways to use products that are available from multiple vendors.

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