DFS-Sole Source NIBIN - IBIS -AO

The State of Illinois, through the Department of State Police, is seeking to procure additional Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) equipment for the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) in a sole source contract with Forensic Technology Inc. The IBIS system is the only technology approved for use on the NIBIN network, and Forensic Technology holds the exclusive manufacturing and service rights. The procurement includes four BRASSTRAX Acquisition Stations and three MATCHPOINT Analysis Stations for a total value of $812,596, to be installed in the Chicago, Joliet, and Metro-East laboratories. This additional equipment is necessary to meet the NIBIN best practices of entering and reviewing evidence within 2 business days to provide timely investigative information to law enforcement agencies responding to violent crimes. The sole source contract opportunity is subject to a public hearing process, which will be cancelled unless interested parties submit written comments or request a public hearing by September 22, 2023.

The sole source justification cites the lack of alternative vendors or products that can satisfy the agency's requirements, as the IBIS technology is proprietary to Forensic Technology. There are no set-asides or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, as this is a sole source procurement. The incumbent vendor is Forensic Technology, as they are the exclusive provider of the IBIS system. The pricing for the IBIS equipment and services is determined by the vendor and is consistent across all law enforcement agencies in the United States.