Posting Language
Title
Authorize a contract for a Vacuum Metal Deposition system for the Forensic Science Department with West Technology Forensics, Inc. d/b/a West Technology Forensics, in an amount not to exceed $378,101. Funding: $378,101 is available in the Forensic Science Department’s Operating Budget.
Body
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Client Department(s)
Forensic Science Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $378,101 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of the Forensic Science Department.
Purchasing Language:
Sole Source.
MBE/WBE:
Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
The contract will provide the Forensic Science Department with parts, installation, and training services for a Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD) 1260 system. The VMD1260 system develops scarcely visible fingerprints on large items and various surfaces to identify suspects in criminal investigations. The VMD1260 system is the manufacturer’s largest chamber size and has advanced automated development functions the City can benefit from.
This equipment is manufactured, sold, distributed, and serviced exclusively by West Technology Forensics Inc. d/b/a West Technology Forensics, making them the sole source manufacturer and distributor of this specialized equipment.
This is a new contract for a quantity of one system based on the department’s need.
A delay in contract approval could impact the City’s ability to identify scarcely visible fingerprints on certain types and sizes of evidence that traditional procedures and instruments cannot detect.