Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Smith's Detection
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intends to award a sole source, firm fixed-price contract to Smiths Detection, Inc. for the procurement of BioDisc-E General Format Discs. These proprietary consumables are essential for the FBI-owned Smiths Detection Mail Guard Pathogen Detection System, used for detecting hazardous biological agents in incoming mail. Interested parties must submit capabilities by June 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for BioDisc-E General Format Discs, which are proprietary components engineered exclusively for the FBI's Smiths Detection Mail Guard Pathogen Detection System. These discs are critical consumables for mail inspection, enabling the detection of hazardous biological agents and threats. The system's hardware, software, calibration, and detection algorithms are designed to operate only with Smiths Detection manufactured discs, and no third-party consumables are authorized or certified for compatibility.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Sole Source, Firm Fixed Price
- Estimated Value: $81,900.00
- Set-Aside: None (Justified Sole Source under FAR 6.103-1)
- Response Due: June 13, 2026, 9:00 AM ET
- Published: June 3, 2026
- Place of Performance: Washington, DC 20535, United States
Eligibility / Justification
The FBI is pursuing a "brand-name-only" acquisition due to the proprietary nature of the BioDisc-E consumables. Market research confirmed that no alternate manufacturers or authorized resellers can provide equivalent compatible consumables. Use of non-OEM consumables could impair system performance, invalidate manufacturer support, compromise detection accuracy, and create operational and safety risks. The statutory authority for this action is 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), implemented by FAR 6.103-1 ('Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements').
Submission & Contact
This notice is an intent to sole source and not a request for competitive quotations. However, interested parties may identify their interests and/or submit a capabilities statement to Contracting Officer Ricardo Tiggle via email only at rtiggle@fbi.gov. Responses sent via other means will not be considered. Information received will be used solely to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible.