DNA Test Kits

Pulaski County and the Arkansas State Crime Lab are seeking to procure DNA Test Kits through a competitive bidding process, with an Invitation for Bid (IFB) issued by the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services Office of State Procurement. The procurement involves acquiring DNA quantitation test kits capable of accurately measuring male and total human DNA concentrations to less than 0.0005 ng/mL, with a requirement for a four-target multiplex system and a minimum of 200 reactions per kit. Bidders must be ISO 18385 accredited and provide kits that meet FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories. The bid submission deadline is March 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time through the ARBuy eProcurement system, with an anticipated contract start date in April 2025. The contract will have an initial one-year term with options for up to six additional one-year renewals, creating a potential maximum contract duration of seven years. Evaluation will focus on selecting the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specified requirements, including the ability to provide one-time full internal QAS validation services with a validation plan submitted within 30 days of contract award.

The procurement allows for potential set-aside considerations, including opportunities for minority or women-owned businesses with Arkansas certification. Bidders must complete a Contract and Grant Disclosure Form, certifying they do not boycott Israel, knowingly employ illegal immigrants, or boycott energy/fossil fuel/firearms industries. The contract includes specific restrictions, such as requirements for contractors to disclose relationships with state officials and potential subcontractor relationships. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the solicitation requires 36,000 total reactions, which can be fulfilled through approximately 180 kits depending on the vendor's per-kit reaction capacity. Vendors must price their proposal in U.S. dollars and cents, with quantities noted as estimates. The pricing structure allows for an optional one-time QAS Validation Service charge, which can be omitted if the kit has been previously validated or if the contractor chooses not to charge for this service. Delivery will be required within 30 days of purchase order issuance to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock, with FOB destination terms and transportation costs paid by the contractor.