Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF AUGUST 22, 2003 FBO #0631
MODIFICATION

66 -- 66-Instruments and Laboratory Equipment

Notice Date

8/20/2003
 

Notice Type

Modification
 

Contracting Office

Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Property Procurement and Management Section, 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC, 20535
 

ZIP Code

20535
 

Solicitation Number

RFQ118328
 

Response Due

9/5/2003
 

Archive Date

9/20/2003
 

Point of Contact

Deanna Davis, Contracting Officer, Phone 202-324-5552, Fax 202-324-0570,
 

E-Mail Address

clcu@fbi.gov
 

Description

Responses to Clarification Questions for RFQ 118328 ? Automated Palmprint Identification System (APIS) 1. Item 4 in the solicitation (ITS): Must support unique identifiers for each records and image: Question: Specifically what identifiers are required for records and images? Are they to be specified with the NIST Type 2 record? The RFQ does not include a requirement for how to specify a unique identifier, however, each record has a unique FBI number and the proposal may elect to use that number. Each image within a record will have a means of identifying what the image is of, e.g., left palm, extreme tip of right ring finger, or lower joints of left index finger. Many of the records will reflect a finger number that corresponds to the standard sequence of finger numbers on a fingerprint card, i.e., 1 is the right thumb, 8 is the left middle. The proposal should include the solution for uniquely identifying each image within a record. The ANSI/NIST fingerprint standard could be used as a basis for a proposal. 2. Item 5 ITS: Must provide means to convert from digital data and provide data entry function for record textual data, e.g., name, sex, race, date of birth, crime or crimes, social security number, palm print classification, fingerprint classification. Note: While this capability is required, the actual entry of data into these fields is not mandatory; SCAN: Question: Specifically what identifiers are required for records an images? Are they to be specified with the NIST Type 2 record? This requirement refers to the textual data associated within a record, e.g. name date of birth, etc. Since each record will have a unique identifier it is not required that all textual fields must have an entry. For example, there will be some records that do not have a date of birth or the race may not be stated on the cards, therefore, it is acceptable that these fields would be blank. The ANSI/NIST Type 2 Record is an acceptable format. Since the records will have FBI Numbers, it is possible that the textual data can be provided on electronic media and converted without any data entry function. Regardless, a capability must exist for textual data entry for records during and after conversion. 3. Item 12 ITS: Must provide capability to scan images of inked prints at sizes other than 8 inches x 8 inches, at a minimum up to 8.5 inches x 14 inches; Question: Would the Government please provide sample card formats of all cards intended for input on the system? Yes, examples will be provided. However, the examples are only to be used for the purpose of this solicitation (RFQ 118328) any other use is prohibited. Vendors who submitted questions will be faxed the examples. Any other vendors who are planning to response to this solicitation, should contact the Contracting Officer, Deanna D. Davis, at (202) 324-5552 to request the examples which will faxed to them as well. 4. Item 25 ITS: The system must provide three networked workstations: Question: Should all three workstations support 3 dimensional entry as detailed in Specification 8? All workstations should have the same functionality. 5. Item 27 ITS: The System must provide search results within 30 minutes; Question: Would the Government please specify the daily number of latent encoding and searches? Would you also please specify the daily number of known palm print input (both by electronic means as well as scanning) after initial conversion? As research is the primary objective, throughput can be controlled. Therefore, proposals may include a range of throughput parameters and associated cost for each. The proposal should indicate the maximum number of searches that can be performed yet still meet the 30 minute specification. While not a stated requirement, the Government does not anticipate exceeding 100 searches per day; the majority occurring Monday thru Friday between 7:00 a.m., to 6:00 p.m., with peak performance needs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The system must be operational 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 6. Item 35 ITS: Technical, management and operational data and reporting functionality that will support a research effort to enable the FBI to define requirements for an automated palm print system at a national level must be provided. Question: Are any additional guidelines available for supplying these functionalities? The vendors are in a better position to propose answers to this question than the government. Each vendor most likely performed some type of analysis and research that ultimately resulted in the product design, functionality and performance. The proposal should offer the Government similar strategies to assess this technology that can be used to support designing a national palm print system. 7. Reference: Facsimile quotes will be accepted in accordance with FAR Provision 52.214-31, Facsimile Bids. Question: The definition of facsimile bids under FAR 52.214-31(a) appears to authorize the submission of scanned documents via electronic mail. Will electronically mailed proposals submitted by the proposal due date and time be accepted? No, please fax your quote to (202) 324-0570 and follow up by mailing the original to the location stated in the solicitation. Also, the referenced provision should have been FAR 52.215-5 Facsimile Proposals. 8. Question: What is the time frame for the installation? The proposal must include a delivery schedule. The Government will evaluate the proposed schedule and make decisions for selection and or negotiate the schedule. 9. Question: Will the proposal response date be extended? Yes. The Response Date is being extended until September 5, 2003 by 4:00 p.m., EDT. . 10. Question: Please confirm that the only data from the File Conversion CLIN 2 that will be entered into the system described in CLIN 1 will be one two print palm card, and variable number (one to four, but typically two) fully rolled finger cards. The records are not standard in number of cards or size. Most, but not all records contain 2 separate palm print cards (one for each palm, backs may be blank) and at least two cards containing impressions for each finger that includes all three joints and the extreme tip area. See 3 above. 11. Question: Certain specifications listed have an ?OPTION? associated with them. Does the request require the system to meet the Specification and have that OPTION, as a selectable option in the system? No, you must meet the specification, but you could submit a proposal that offers the option as a selectable additional feature in the system. Or should we interpret the specifications such that the OPTION is acceptable in place of or addition to the original Specification. If the RFQ states that an option is available, the wording of that OPTION clearly indicates whether it must be in addition to the specification. If it does not state that it is in addition to, then the option is to be interpreted as to whether you desire to include that option in your proposal. 12. Question: In regards to the 100,000 records to be entered into the system, will those 100,000 records be entered by the vendor or by the user? The initial system load of the converted records will be by the vendor. Modifications (adds, deletes, changes) to the data base after initial system load will be performed by the user. 13. Question: While the 100,000 record data will be ANSI NIST EFTS compliant, on what digital media will the information be transferred from (i.e. CD, tape, etc.)? As to the images themselves, with what compression will they be stored on the digital media? The Government is unable to answer the first question until the vendor providing the conversion service is selected. Proposals should include any limitations or cost factors associated with unacceptable media formats. There will be no compression applied to the images from the conversion process. Refer to Specification 2. 14. Question: Regarding Specification 2, in addition to the conditions listed; will you accept 1000ppi with FBI certified WSQ compression? No. The image file must support 1000ppi with no compression. The non-compressed images must be available for display in all user interfaces. However, for the purposes of image processing for feature extraction and other internal nonhuman interface system processes, lossless compression is acceptable but must be indicated in the proposal as to when, where, how and how much. 15. Is it possible to fax us an example of the style of card templates that will be used in the creation of the database? Yes, See #3 above. 16. Question: Please clarify Specification 35: Technical, management and operational data and reporting functionality that will support a research effort to enable the FBI to define requirements for an automated palm print system at a national level must be provided. See 6 above. 17. Item 1 ITS: Must provide a data base size up to 100,000 records. A record exists for one individual and consists of an image for each palm (at a minimum, from intedigital area at juncture with fingers to base of wrist), and extreme side of each palm (hypothenar area). Question: Where do these records currently reside and how will they be provided to the conversion vendor of choice? The records exist with the FBI Latent Print Unit in Quantico, VA. They are maintained in 5 drawer file cabinets and are sequenced by FBI number. The proposal should indicate how these records will be handled (if applicable- packaged, transported, secured,etc.). 18. Question: Is there a preexisting unique numbering scheme associated with each record? If so, please describe. Yes, FBI Number. 19. OPTION: In addition to above, includes tip of fingers to base of wrist. Question: Is this image to include a second image for each palm this time including from tip of fingers to base of wrist? Either approach is acceptable but the proposal must clearly indicate which approach. With separate proposals for conversion and the operating system, the Government must insure that the operating system vendor is capable of handling the images from the conversion vendor. 20. OPTION: In addition to all of above, includes fully rolled impressions of all three joints of the finger, extreme tips of the fingers, and extreme sides of the fingers for all three joints. Question: Our company is capable of capturing, storing, searching and displaying the data and images described. If possible, please describe the envisioned database storage and image display scheme. This question goes to the purpose of this research initiative. The Government is looking to assess this very question with the intent to better define an operating system for the FBI and a national system. Flexibility in image display schemes will assist the Government in achieving its objective. 21. OPTION: Provide the means to create separate files within the database. These files may contain duplicates from the main database. Question: Please define in further detail what is meant by, create separate files within the database What is meant by the, main database? The main database will be the 100,000 records from conversion. The capability to create separate files within the system of selected records, which may or may not be part of the 100,000 records, is intended to support the need to search against only a predesignated file. These files can be logical or physical, but the proposal must state which approach and the functionality of the capability. If the separate files are created, at initial startup, the total number of records for both the main file and any separate file will not exceed 100,000. If the Government elects to expand up to 1 million records, then these separate files may result in varying numbers of records. 22. NOTE: The average record contains six cards consisting of two palm prints (one each for left and right), and four cards containing fully rolled fingerprints of all three joints, extreme sides of these three joints and the extreme tip area for each finger. Some of these records contain images on both sides. Many records exceed six cards. Most records are recorded on 8 inches x 8 inches cards; however, some are recorded on 8.5 inches x 11 inches paper. Question: Is it possible to obtain sample records? Yes, See 3 above. 23. Item 4 ITS: Must support unique identifiers for each record and image. Question: Please describe the existing unique identifiers associated with the database of records to be converted (if any). The proposal may offer a solution, but the current file uses the FBI number. (see 18 above.) 24. Item 7 ITS: Must provide means to replace images. Question: Is our assumption correct that by, replace images you mean subsequent to a search which reveals lower quality images contained within a preexisting record in the database? Please elaborate. This could be one scenario, but the specification is more generic in that at any time the user (with controls and safeguards) desires to replace a record, functionality exists to achieve it. 25. Item 11 ITS: Images must be oriented in an upright position, i.e., interdigital area at top of image, Note: If palm print images on digital media appear on their sides or upside down (or any degree less than upright), then the system must automatically orient the palm print in an upright position. Question: By automatically orient do you mean during the conversion process, candidate image display or match verification? Please elaborate. The system must be able to orient a print to an upright position. However, a proposal including functionality that provides additional benefit for the candidate image display or match verification process is acceptable. 26. Item 24 ITS: Performance analysis tools to assist in assessing accuracy, both hits and misses, must be provided. Question: Please provide examples of a performance analysis tool. The vendors are in a better position to propose answers to this question than the government. Each vendor most likely performed some type of analysis and research that ultimately resulted in the product design, functionality and performance. The proposal should offer the Government similar strategies to assess this technology that can be used to support designing a national palm print system. For example, if a search results in a missed identification when, in fact, the record is contained within the data base, then a tool to assist in determining the cause of the miss and a means to record and track that information could be proposed. 27. Item 25 ITS: SYSTEM 25. The system must provide three networked workstations and be net workable to support up to seven additional workstations. Question: Please describe the network envisioned. The system and all workstations will be contained within one building. The proposals must state a network design and any limitations. 28. Item 26 ITS: The system must support the capability to import export data; as complete records, as images in ANSI NIST EFTS format, as an interface to other APIS systems, as a record to file. Question: By complete record, do you mean as defined in Section 1 of the RFQ? Please elaborate. Yes. 29. Item 27 ITS: The system must provide search results within 30 minutes. Question: Please define the type of search in question. Also, please provide pertinent peak load and throughput requirements envisioned for the system. See 5 above. 30. Item 29 ITS: The system must be scalable up to 1 million records. Question: Is the system to have a database capacity of 1 million records as defined in Section 1 upon delivery or rather have the ability to be expanded to that capacity in the future? Please elaborate. To be expandable up to 1million records in the future. 31. Item 33 ITS: Training must be provided for up to six individuals. Question: Are all of the students to be trained latent examiners or are some system administrators? Please elaborate. Students include latent print examiners, researchers and administrators.
 

Place of Performance

Address: FBI Laboratory, CTFSRU Building 12, FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Zip Code: 22135

Country: United States
 

Record

SN00407297-W 20030822/030820213535 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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