Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Division of Police Crime Lab is in need of DNA interpretation software to process DNA samples with multiple sources more efficiently and effectively. This software will be replacing the Pop Stats software currently used by the Crime Lab. Crime Lab personnel completed an intensive week-long evaluation process where four probabilistic genotyping software programs were demonstrated. It was determined that the best type of software for the Crime Lab is the continuous model of probabilistic genotyping. This software gives statistical weight to an inclusion of an individual's DNA. This software keeps the Crime Lab current with advances in DNA interpretation, thereby producing faster and more accurate data. This type of data is required by the accreditation agencies and the FBI.
There are two software programs that have this continuous method software; however, there is only one that will work with the current Crime Lab system. The two software programs are True Allele and STRmix. True Allele requires expensive servers and is Mac-based, neither of which the DNA section of the Crime Lab has in-house. This would require a further investment and training. STRmix will run on the current PCs and will not need additional servers. Furthermore, True Allele can process only ten two or three person mixtures a day, whereas STRmix can process a two person mixture in five minutes and a three person mixture in twenty minutes allowing the Crime Lab to process more multiple source DNA samples per day.
BID INFORMATION: Crime Lab personnel did extensive research and attended a week long intensive evaluation of all the possible software programs. An informal bid process was conducted by the Crime Lab who requested a quote from the only vendor who had the software that would work with the Crime Lab's current system and put out the necessary work product in a faster more accurate manner. The quote received by the Crime Lab was from NicheVision Forensic, LLC, who is the only distributor of this software.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: 260465304; Expires 10/23/2016
FISCAL IMPACT: The funding for STRmix software has already been appropriated and authorized by Ordinance 1911-2014 passed on 9/17/2014. This expenditure is funded by the Grant Fund, Grant Number 331405.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency legislation is necessary as the grant was awarded on September 1, 2014 and will be ending June 30, 2015. Aquiring this software as soon as possible will allow Crime Lab personnel to process more multiple source DNA samples per day.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Safety to enter into a contract with NicheVision Forensics, LLC for DNA interpretation software for the Division of Police Crime Lab; to waive competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes; to authorize the expenditure of $61,300.00 from the Grant Fund, Grant Number 331405; and to declare an emergency. ($61,300.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus Division of Police needs to purchase STRmix DNA interpretation software for DNA analysis of casework samples, and the cost of the software is $61,300.00; and
WHEREAS, the funding for the software have been appropriated and authorized by Ordinance 1911-2014 passed on 9/17/2014; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to waive competitive bidding for this purchase; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Police, Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize and direct the Director to enter into a contract with NicheVision Forensic, LLC for STRmix DNA interpretation software, thereby preserving the public peace, property, health, safety, and welfare; Now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Safety be and is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with NicheVision Forensic, LLC for STRmix DNA interpretation software.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $61,300.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, be and the same is hereby authorized as follows:
DIV 30-03 | FUND 220 | OBJ LEV (01) 02 | OBJECT LEV (03) 2224 | OCA# 331405| Grant # 331405
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it in the best interests of the City to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, the City Auditor shall establish such account codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves or vetoes the same.