AGO - Forensic Proficiency Testing Services - 2026

The Ohio Attorney General's Office (AGO), specifically the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), is soliciting competitive quotes for forensic proficiency testing services for the calendar year 2026. The Request for Quotations (RFQ) seeks comprehensive testing services across multiple forensic disciplines, including Tenprint Examination, Controlled Substance Analysis, THC Quantitative Testing, Firearm Comparison, Latent Print Processing, Questioned Documents, Handwriting Analysis, Gunshot Residue Detection, DNA STR/YSTR, and DNA Parentage testing. Vendors must be ISO/IEC 17043 accredited, with the specific test types listed on their scope of accreditation. The solicitation requires vendors to submit quotes via the Ohio Buys website, including an item grid with unit pricing and accreditation documentation. Key deadlines include an inquiry deadline of October 2, 2025, and a quote submission deadline of October 10, 2025, with the contract period spanning the entire calendar year 2026 from January 1 to December 31. The AGO will award contracts to the lowest-priced, responsible, and responsive submissions, with testing to be administered by BCI Quality Assurance staff at the BCI Lab in London, Ohio.

The RFQ does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The testing services will involve blind, randomized, and unique testing protocols designed to minimize bias and ensure result integrity. While no incumbent vendors are directly identified, the sample contract indicates potential for multi-year engagement, with possible contract extensions through June 30, 2029. The sample contract includes a $0.00 compensation amount, suggesting that pricing will be determined through the competitive quote process. Vendors must comply with extensive security protocols, including personnel background checks and rigorous data protection measures. The contract includes comprehensive provisions for confidentiality, liability, and compliance with state and federal regulations. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the breadth of testing services (including 102 DNA STR/YSTR tests and 36 Controlled Substance tests) suggests a substantial procurement opportunity for qualified forensic testing providers.