Intent to Sole Source for Mobile Ident Devises

The Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Identification Unit, issued an Intent to Sole Source procurement for MobileIdent mobile identification devices from Morpho Trak on May 23, 2016, with a response deadline of May 25, 2016. The procurement encompasses the purchase of additional MobileIdent devices—compact, cell phone-sized mobile units designed to enable law enforcement officers to identify individuals through fingerprint scanning of both index fingers, with identification results returned within 60 seconds via comparison against Colorado and FBI RISC databases. The deliverables include multiple MobileIdent devices intended to enhance officer safety, prevent identity theft, and reduce false identification incidents. The contract period runs from January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018, representing a recurring procurement for additional units beyond the initial six devices and Morpho Biometric Identification System (MBIS) purchased through a competitive bid process in 2012. The estimated total product cost is $2,000,000 with no associated services costs. No competing bids were solicited, as this sole source procurement was justified based on the exclusive system integration requirements and compatibility specifications inherent to the existing MBIS infrastructure.

The sole source justification was based on the MobileIdent devices' exclusive compatibility with the state's existing MBIS system, as alternative manufacturers' devices would require separate servers, a new request for proposal, and substantial compatibility testing at significant additional cost with no guarantee of integration success. Market research conducted by CBI determined that although numerous manufacturers produce similar mobile identification devices, none are currently compatible with the MBIS system already in operation. The quoted price reflects a national standard rate applicable to all purchasers, with CBI receiving a volume discount based on the quantity of units being ordered, justified under special governmental pricing provisions. The procurement documentation does not reference specific set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or alternative vendor options, indicating this was a direct sole source award to the incumbent vendor Morpho Trak based on technological compatibility and system integration requirements. The total estimated award value for this procurement is $2,000,000.