Title
Forensic DNA Analysis Software, Maintenance and Technical Support - Requirements Contract - EXC 21-032 (Ordinance S-47623)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with NicheVision Forensics, LLC to provide deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), analysis software upgrades, maintenance and technical support to the Police Department's Laboratory Services Bureau. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The aggregate contract value will not exceed $549,205.
Report
Summary
The Police Department's Laboratory Services Bureau currently utilizes ArmedXpert and STRmix DNA analysis software, provided by NicheVision Forensics, LLC. This specialized software, software upgrades, maintenance and technical support is necessary for the Laboratory Services Bureau to perform proper DNA analysis. The two software systems are used in conjunction for quality control and ease of importing data into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The software calculates statistics to support the conclusions which are required per federal standards as set by Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and is accepted as validated testimony in court. The added software, upgrades, maintenance and technical support will afford updates as new research methods become available and will increase the efficiency of the Laboratory Services Bureau.
Additionally, request the City Council to grant an exception to Phoenix City Code Section 42-18 to authorize inclusion of indemnification and assumption of liability provisions that otherwise would not be allowed.
This item has been reviewed and approved by the Information Technology Services Department.
Procurement Information
In accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10, normal competition was waived as a result of an approved Determination Memo which stated NicheVision Forensics, LLC is the exclusive distributor and provider of Armed Xpert and STRmix DNA software, upgrades, maintenance and technical support in the United States. This DNA software is recommended on a national level for DNA analysis, including the President's Council Advisors on Science and Technology on Forensic Science.
The Deputy Finance Director recommends that the contract with NicheVision Forensics, LLC be accepted.
Contract Term
The five-year contract term will begin on or about June 2, 2021.
Financial Impact
The aggregate contract value will not exceed $549,205 and funds are available in the Police Department's budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Jeff Barton and the Police Department.