(Sole Source) NicheVision Scientific Support MBFB

The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences is soliciting bids on a sole-source basis for STRmix Annual Upgrade and Maintenance services with a proposal due date of September 10, 2026. This is a sole-source procurement — a decision-flipping constraint that narrows the eligible vendor pool to the single STRmix provider.

The scope covers a 12-month period (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027) at Mobile Lab 1, 1 Forensic Drive, Mobile, Alabama. Deliverables include all new point and major version releases of STRmix software, plus expert resolution of scientific support questions. Scientific support encompasses troubleshooting, case-specific queries, general email inquiries, and advice, but excludes validation, platform upgrade, or version upgrade support.

The contract carries a cost ceiling of $25,000 (inclusive of the original agreement and any renewals). The contract may be renewed annually by written agreement up to a total cost not to exceed $25,000 or a five-year period from the effective date, whichever occurs first. The agency has stated it will consider budget constraints when processing award and must stay within budget when issuing a purchase order.

Suppliers must register in Alabama Buys and submit responses electronically through that platform. The State of Alabama is exempt from sales tax, reserves the right to conduct cost realism and price reasonableness analysis, and requires compliance with E-Verify if the supplier employs one or more employees within the state. Suppliers must accept multiple forms of electronic payment including state-issued credit cards, P-cards, and EFT at no additional cost to the state. The contract is governed by Alabama law with exclusive venue in Montgomery, Alabama. Questions are directed through the Supplier Portal.