DNA analysis of sexual assault kits

The South Carolina State Fiscal Accountability Authority, specifically the Division of Procurement Services acting on behalf of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Forensic Services DNA Laboratory, is seeking qualified, accredited laboratories to provide outsourced DNA analysis services for sexual assault cases. The procurement is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for comprehensive forensic DNA testing of approximately 1,800 sexual assault kits over a five-year contract period, with an estimated monthly volume of 150 kits. Required services include direct-to-DNA analysis using Applied Biosystems GlobalFiler PCR amplification kits, with potential supplementary testing such as Y-STR analysis, STRmix mixture deconvolution, hair evaluation, and smear analysis. The vendor must be an accredited forensic DNA laboratory in good standing, complying with FBI Quality Assurance Standards and federal and state genetic privacy laws. Evaluation criteria will prioritize the lowest responsible and responsive bidder based on the unit price for Line Item 0001 (DNA analysis of sexual assault kits), with secondary consideration given to additional line items if bids are tied. Key deadlines include a bid submission deadline of June 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM EST, award notification on June 19, 2024, and a contract term from June 28, 2024, to June 27, 2029, consisting of an initial one-year period with four optional one-year renewals.

The solicitation does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the documentation. The procurement requires vendors to be registered with an active South Carolina vendor number and prohibits subcontracting. The vendor must maintain comprehensive liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, covering information security and privacy risks. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the contract involves processing approximately 1,800 sexual assault kits over five years, with additional line items for supplementary services such as expedited analysis, expert testimony, and cross-comparison requests. The vendor is responsible for all shipping costs and must process cases within 90 days, with expedited cases requiring a 2-3 week turnaround. The contract includes provisions for expert testimony, estimated at approximately 3 percent of cases annually, with an all-inclusive pricing structure for such services.