Forensics DNA Testing of M-VAC Filters with Reporting Directly to FDLE for Upload to CODIS

The City of Orlando, Florida (Orange County jurisdiction), through the Orlando Police Department, is issuing a sole source procurement (S26-0413) for forensic DNA laboratory testing of M-VAC filters with direct reporting to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for upload to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The procurement seeks DNA swab testing services from guns and shell casings collected as part of cases designated as potential group violence cases, with DNA test results transmitted directly to FDLE for CODIS database upload. Key deliverables include DNA screening and analysis of M-VAC filter samples, with DNA Labs International offering fixed pricing of $1,050.00 per item for gun evidence swabbing (up to 4 evidence samples including screening and STR analysis) and $1,050.00 per reference standard for suspects, accused individuals, victims, or complainants. The requisition specifies 300,000 units at $1.00 per unit, with delivery to Orlando Police Headquarters at 1250 W South St, Orlando, FL 32805. DNA Labs International, as the identified sole source vendor, must demonstrate ANAB ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and FBI QAS accreditation, with required qualifications including capability to perform STRmix expert software analysis, spent shell casing DNA collection methodology, and the ability to deliver results within 24-48 hours. The due date for competing suppliers to submit product information, statements of qualifications, and capabilities is Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET, with the seven-day posting period (through April 30, 2026) allowing alternative vendors to challenge the sole source designation by submitting documentation to Purchasing Agent II Tracie Brown at tracie.brown@orlando.gov.

This procurement is restricted to suppliers capable of providing the specialized forensic DNA testing services equivalent to those offered by DNA Labs International, the sole source vendor identified as the exclusive provider. DNA Labs International is a woman and family-owned, private forensic DNA laboratory established in 2004, headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, with a satellite office in Salt Lake City, Utah, and operates under ANAB ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and FBI QAS accreditation. The vendor has demonstrated substantial capacity and experience, having processed over 175,000 forensic samples in the past three years with monthly processing capacity of 4,000 or more samples, maintains a local DNA database containing over 65,000 profiles, and has achieved a 89 percent success rate in generating comparable profiles from 19 cases with 75 samples processed for the Orlando Police Department since 2024. The procurement is funded through the Police Chief's Office using the FY 24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Middle Florida District Grant (OPD0167_G) and references an additional forensic DNA laboratory testing program (OPD0149_G), with the total contract amount identified as $300,000 (based on 300,000 units at $1.00 per unit). Additional pricing for supplemental forensic services includes DNA STR analysis ($995.00-$1,295.00 per item depending on sample type), Y-STR analysis ($1,495.00 per item), M-VAC screening services ($1,695.00 per service including three filters), and rush turnaround options ranging from $895.00 to $2,500.00 depending on required processing speed. The contract is categorized as Other Professional Services - Non-Capital Related and must integrate with FDLE's existing CODIS system infrastructure and processes established since 2008 for authorized law enforcement agencies within FDLE's jurisdiction.