DNA Analysis Services

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is seeking proposals for comprehensive DNA Analysis Services through a Request for Proposal (RFP-520-2600000168) targeting forensic laboratories capable of providing specialized forensic biology analyses. The procurement covers multiple DNA analysis services including serological analysis for blood, semen, and saliva; Y-screening analysis; standard DNA analysis; Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) analysis; mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis; and forensic genetic genealogical services. Laboratories are not required to bid on every service, allowing for specialized submissions. The evaluation will allocate 600 points to technical criteria (turn-around time, references, experience), 350 points to cost proposals, and potentially 50 points for oral demonstrations. Proposals are due by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 14, 2026, with an anticipated initial contract term from February 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. Key requirements include ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, compliance with FBI Quality Assurance Standards, completion of initial analysis within ninety days, and maintenance of detailed chain of custody documentation.

The solicitation applies Kentucky's resident bidder preferences and qualified bidder preferences as defined in statutes KRS 45A.490, 45A.492, and 45A.494. The KSP plans to process approximately thirty forensic genetic genealogy cases, ten mtDNA remains cases, twenty mtDNA family reference samples, and one hundred Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits using grant funding. Laboratories must provide court testimony consultation at no additional cost, with expert witness fees capped at three persons unless court-ordered otherwise. The contract requires laboratories to maintain minimum twelve-month record retention with optional extended storage and seven-year record maintenance. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the procurement indicates the potential for multiple laboratory contract awards to fulfill the comprehensive DNA analysis service needs. The final contract is subject to approval by the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary and must be filed with the Legislative Research Commission Government Contract Review Committee before becoming effective.