Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of a specialized microscope for the Police Crime Lab to use in the analysis of firearms. The Division of Police Crime Lab was awarded Federal Grant #2010-DD-BX-0551(Forensic Services Facility) to purchase equipment.
Through this grant the Crime Lab needs to purchase a Leeds LCF3 Comparison Microscope System with camera and accessories. This microscope is a Firearms/Toolmarks Forensic Comparison microscope. It is used for the comparison and identification of spent bullets, casings, and toolmarks. The special design of the microscope allows an examiner to look at two images at the same time. The design also allows for mounting the bullets and casings when being compared.
BID INFORMATION: The Leeds LCF3 Comparison Microscope System with camera and accessories was not bid out because Leeds Precision Instruments Inc. is the only vendor that can provide said microscope. Leeds Precision Instruments Inc. is the only manufacturer of Firearms/Toolmarks microscopes having ISO 17025 calibration certificates for all its measuring capabilities. The only other microscope commonly used in the area of forensic firearms identification is manufactured by Leica Microsystems. However, the Leica microscope is not calibrated to ISO 17025 specifications as required by the Crime Lab’s accrediting body.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: 411560082 expires 11/19/2015
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $66,383.52 from the General Government Grant Fund for the purchase of a Leeds LCF3 Comparison Microscope System with camera and accessories for the Police Crime Lab
Emergency Designation: Emergency legislation is necessary in order to meet grant timelines.
Title
To authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into contract with Leeds Precision Instruments Inc. for the purchase of a Leeds LCF3 Comparison Microscope System with camera and accessories for the Division of Police in accordan...
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