SOLICITATION NOTICE
70 -- Modification to the Spectral Library Identification Classification Explorer (SLICE) Software
- Notice Date
- 9/14/2005
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 541511
— Custom Computer Programming Services
- 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
- 0163367
- Response Due
- 9/26/2005
- Archive Date
- 10/11/2005
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number (RFP 0163367) incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 05-05. This requirement is 100% small business set-aside and the associated NAICS code is 541511 and the small business size standard is $21 million. The government plans to issue a sole source firm-fixed price contract to xk, Incorporated. The government requests a firm-fixed price, for each line item (tasks, training, travel, etc.) for a one year period. The requirement is to modify and distribute Spectral Library Identification Classification Explorer (SLICE) software that displays and searches a comprehensive library of x-ray spectra, images, and associated data. The government will have unlimited rights for shared distribution and future expansion of the database, to include additional analytical data such as infrared and mass spectra. The database will include spectra obtained by SEM-EDS in a form that makes intercomparison of spectra viable. The following tasks shall be accomplished interactively. Task 1: Assessment of requirements of forensic community. The government will organize a meeting to be attended by government personnel to include IT and security personnel, contractors and selected members of the forensic community. This meeting is to assess the requirements of the forensic community and analyze issues regarding database modifications. Prior to this meeting, the contractor shall review the evolution of this project and the recommendation of the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Archive of X-ray spectra (SWGFAX). The contractor shall review and recommend possible resources to include x-ray spectroscopy, database technology, and information technology. The results of this meeting shall define the specific modifications to include selection of materials categories required for the Forensic Materials Database, decisions concerning the type of data to be included for each material, requirements of the search and display algorithms, and provisions for access to and sharing of data. The modified database shall consist of reference spectra and additional descriptive information of manufactured materials, pure elements, compounds, and materials of specific forensic and counter-terrorism interest such as explosives and military ordnance. The recent formulation of a tape database by scientists from three laboratories utilizing SLICE shall serve as the approach to be utilized in selection of samples and organization of data field for additional material groups. Similar extensions of SLICE shall be utilizing data provided by the government and other sources of authenticated samples and spectral data of acceptable quality (see Task 2), such as the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), manufacturers, and selected crime laboratories. The requirement may include additional SLICE material groups such as: gunshot residues and related materials; commercially-available white powders; black electrical tapes; metal alloys, including solders; explosives and pyrotechnics; materials of particular counterterrorism interest, such as military armaments. The government requires that the Forensic Materials Database shall be modified to fulfill the requirements of the wider forensic community , the database architecture shall possess additional features, such as allowing the addition of data by individual users for purposes of performing small-scale research studies, e.g., to determine case-specific frequencies or product variability. Task 2: Expand and improve upon existing utility and database structure. Modifications of the SLICE utility to include the additional features shall be accomplished by building on the government?s current architecture. The government requires that the modified database utility shall be utilized for a variety of functions, such as the following: Comparison of questioned forensic materials to commercial standards for the purpose of identification; System performance checks based upon comparison of live spectrometer performance to certified spectra; Determination of frequency of occurrence of compositional types; Determination of variations of composition within a type of material; Associations of a material with a specific manufacturer; Identification of compounds. The following specific tasks may be required: (a) Develop QA criteria for inclusion of submitted spectra. The contractor shall perform experiments to determine the ranges of SEM/EDS operational parameters (e.g., tube voltage and current, detector dead time, x-ray take-off angle, etc.) that result in spectra of acceptable quality. The effects of changes in these parameters shall be evaluated by measuring the correctness of the matching algorithms used for spectral comparison. The results shall be utilized to set acceptable limits for inclusion of spectra in the database; (b) Include XRD, FTIR, Raman, chromatography, and MS data (spectra and discrete data) within materials records, with query and display utilities that shall be used in conjunction with present SEM/EDS data searches. Expansion and enhanced capabilities of SLICE shall include spectra and analytical data obtained by additional instrumental methods; (c) Supplemental data display in spreadsheet format. Modification of the utility is required to output data in a format readily compatible with a standard spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel; (d) Modify the comprehensive image management. The current image management routines needs modification to bring them up to current imaging standards; (e) Incorporate PDF file display capability in the image section; (f) Modify for construction of an SEM/EDS spectrum from a given composition. In cases where suitable reference information does not exist, calculation of a spectrum for a given composition is required for evaluation of evidentiary materials. Contractor shall perform test with reference materials to demonstrate the accuracy limitations of the spectral construction algorithm; (g) Modify for the ability to subtract component spectra from a combined spectrum and the ability to create a bulk spectrum from a combination of component spectra; (h) Define a comprehensive materials Atree@. The current directory structure based on materials classes requires modification to make it compatible with future expansion and multi-user sharing of the database; (i) Make modification to the fitting algorithms used for comparison of x-ray induced XRF spectra. Although XRF spectra share features with EDS spectra, they have specific search algorithm requirements for which the current version of SLICE needs modification; (j) Evaluate the usefulness of combining the SLICE "identification" utilities with automatic particle recognition protocols, in order to characterize particle populations in an unattended search; (k) Evaluate the usefulness of providing direct links from SLICE materials records to Internet materials directories and resources, for installation in facilities where Internet access does not violate security requirements; (l) Recommend a mechanism for protection and distribution of compartmentalized materials data for distribution only to specifically selected users. Task 3: Distribution of utility and training. The contractor shall provide ten copies of the modified software to the government. These copies shall be loaded onto the controlling computers for SEM instruments and stand-alone PCs at the government and other locations. The software shall operate such that the x-ray spectra acquired from samples of questioned origin can be searched against selected portions of the entire database. The software shall be modified such that data entered by any user can be utilized in search routines by other users. Sharing of unclassified data for this implementation shall be by transfer on storage media, such as CDs, or by transferring of files via the Internet. Maintenance of a master Forensic Materials Database containing files input from the multiple users shall be accomplished by the contractor during the course of the contract, i.e., during product modification. The contractor shall provide a scheme for continued data entry and sharing among users of the database following completion of the contract and delivery of the modified software. Upon the government?s acceptance this data shall become the basis of the Forensic Materials Database and the modified software shall be made available by the contractor for use by a wider population. The contractor shall provide on-site training for the modifications of the software for the government and other designated individuals at Quantico, Virginia. Deliverables: 1) Report containing the consensus requirements established by the contractor and the advisory group; 2) List of technical obstacles, including any modifications or enhancements required, and recommended approach to solve them; 3) Periodic update version releases of the software as they are modified during the course of this contract; 4) Ten copies of a fully functional database for installation at user locations for evaluation, data entry, and utilization for evidence evaluation. A mechanism for sharing of data among user workstations shall be provided; 5) Comprehensive operational manual including criteria for spectral acquisition and database use; 6) A final report summarizing all work on this project and results obtained shall be due one month following the end of the contract period. The report shall be submitted in both paper (5 copies) and one electronic format to the CO (one paper copy) and the COTR (4 paper copies); 7) All original notes and data related to spectral interpretation or statistical evaluation in either paper or electronic format, as appropriate, to archive for discovery purposes shall be submitted to the COTR; 8) Upgrades to the software following completion of this project to the government in perpetuity; 9) Source code for all software. Government Furnished Property - All data, including X-ray spectra, required for database development and evaluation will be provided by the government and other participants. The contractor may utilize the government data to demonstrate the characteristics of the SLICE software, but may not charge a distribution fee for the Forensic Materials Database. Qualifications of Key Personnel. The Contractor shall identify all key personnel assigned to this contract. All key personnel shall sign non-disclosure agreements and obtain required security clearances prior to commencing work on this contract. Specialized Reporting Requirements - 1) Electronic versions of monthly progress reports shall be submitted by the 5th working day (for the previous month) of each month to the COTR. Electronic versions of reports shall be accessible with Microsoft Office 97 software (Word, Excel, Power Point) or with Corel WordPerfect 8. If a report is too large for e-mail submission, it may be submitted on CD-ROM; 2) Quarterly reports shall be submitted at the end of March, June, September, and December. Quarterly Reports shall contain the following sections: Critical Project Milestones (status; if completed, date of completion); Quarterly Roadblocks (if any, and steps taken to resolve); Next Month's Plans; Deliverables Met (that quarter); Quarterly Status Update. The Quarterly Status Update is the lengthiest portion of the report and shall describe technical accomplishments and appropriate budgetary information. It shall describe, in detail, all experiments and analyses conducted during the period. It shall include text, spectra, graphs, and tables as appropriate to fully describe the progress of the period. The other eight Monthly reports may be provided in a shorter format at the discretion of the contractor. The COTR must be informed through the monthly and/or quarterly status reports of any substantive discussions between the contractor and potential end users employed by the government or on the team formed for Task #1. The following are incorporated by reference: Provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors?Commercial, Provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications?Commercial Items are applicable to this solicitation. Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions?Commercial Items and Clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders?Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. Provision 52.212-1 is tailored to delete b(10). The applicable clauses within Clause 52.212-5 are: 52.203-6; 52.219-6; 52.219-8; 52.219-14; 52.222-3; 52.222-19; 52.222-21; 52.222-26; 52.222-35; 52.222-36; 52.222-37; 52.222-39; 52.227-14; 52.227-15; 52.227-19; 52.232-33; and 52.239-1. The following clauses are also applicable: 52.217-6; 52.217-8 and 52.217-9. Clause (a): Citizenship: The U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) does not permit the use of Non-U.S. citizens in the performance of any contract or commitment for any position that involves access to or development of any DOJ information technology systems. By signing the contract or commitment document, the contractor agrees to this restriction. Information technology means any equipment, or interconnected system(s) or subsystem(s) of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information by the agency. The term "information technology" includes computers, ancillary equipment, software, firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources. Clause (b): Release of Information: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) specifically requires that Contractors shall not divulge, publish, or disclose information or produce material acquired as or derived from the performance of their duties. For purposes of this Clause, "Information" shall include but not be limited to: in any media or all media including on the web or web sites; publications, studies, books, theses, photographs, films or public announcements, press releases describing any part of the subject matter of this contract or any phase of any program hereunder, except to the extent such is: (i) already known to the Contractor prior to the commencement of the contract; (ii) required by law, regulation, subpoena or government or judicial order to be disclosed, including the Freedom of Information Act. No release of information shall be made without the prior written consent of the Office of Public Affairs and the Contracting Officer. The contractor and author are warned that disclosure is not without potential consequences. The FBI will make every effort to review proposed publications in a timely manner to accommodate theses and other publications. Where appropriate, in accordance with established academic publishing practices, the FBI reserves the right to author/co-author any publication derived from this contract. These obligations do not cease upon completion of the contract. Applicable numbered notes are 1, 22, 25.
- Place of Performance
- Address: N/A
- Country: USA
- Country: USA
- Record
- SN00894787-W 20050916/050914211831 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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