HomeMy WebLinkAboutBack-Up DocumentsCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Emilio T. Gonzalez, Ph.D.
City Manager
FROM: Annie Perez, CPPD,
Director of Procurement
DATE: May 9, 2019
SUBJECT: Sole Source Finding for M -Vac
Systems, Inc. ("MVAC'), Manufacturer of the M -Vac
Forensic DNA Collection System
REFERENCES: SS 18-19-029
ENCLOSURES: Market Research
Market Research was conducted to determine whether M -Vac Systems, Inc. ("MVAS") a non -local
vendor, located at 640 West Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070 is the sole source manufacturer of the
M -Vac Forensic DNA Collection System ("MVAC') for the Miami Police Department ("MPD").
The MPD is in need of a better method of Deoxyribonucleic Acid ("DNA") Collection that can produce
viable results that are more reliable than the traditional swabbing, taping or cutting. This new method of
DNA collection has enabled Police Departments throughout the United States to solve many cold
cases. Currently MVAC is the only DNA Collection System that can collect extract amounts of DNA
from non -porous surfaces like rocks and fabric, more viable and produce more matches than traditional
methods. This method has been patented by MVAS.
According to MVAS, it is the sole source manufacturer, distributor, and patent holder of the MVAC.
Accordingly, pursuant to Section 18-92 (a) (1) of the Code of the City of Miami, it is recommended that
the requirements for competitive bidding be waived, and these findings be approved: MVAS, a non -
local vendor, located 640 West Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070, is the sole source manufacturer,
distributor and patent holder of the MVAC , and approving the purchase for the MPD, on an as needed
basis, for a one (1) year period. „ ,
APPROVED BY:
Fmilio T onzalez, Ph. D.,
City M nager
AP/rdm
ate
TO Annie Perez
Director
Procurement Department
FROM: Jorg"eolina
Chief of Police
CITY OF MIAMI. FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE : MAR 2 8 2019
SUBJECT Finding of Sole Source
FILE LEG 7-2
REFERENCES: Purchase of M -Vac DNA System
and Accessories
ENCLOSURES:
The police department is requesting a sole source finding for the purchase of a M -Vac System, to
include three (3) years of preventative maintenance and service, training and accessories from
M -Vac Systems, Inc., in the amount of $37,335.00; allocating funds from the FY 17 Edward Byrne
Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), Award No. 2456, Project No. 19-190011, Task No. 1,
Organization 191602 and Account No. 12000.191602.664000.0.0. Based upon the attached,
please take the necessary steps to verify that M -Vac Systems, Inc., located at 640 West Sandy
Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070, is the sole provider of this purchase.
The Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) Unit of the police department has recommended that the
department acquires this new technological advancement in DNA collection capabilities. The M -
Vac vacuum can extract DNA from large areas, such as entire garments or bed sheets. In
addition, DNA samples can be obtained from difficult porous items such as ropes, clothing,
restraints, and porous items found in water. Currently, the Crime Scene Unit relies on the
traditional methods of DNA collection by simple scraping or swabbing.
The implementation of the M -Vac System will be of great benefit to the Miami Police Department,
the residents of Miami, and a valuable tool for the Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
M -Vac Systems, Inc., confirms that they are the sole manufacturer and supplier of their products
which are exclusively sold and distributed by them.
Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
FINDING OF SOLE SOURCE APPROVED:
Annie Perp" ,
Procure' ent Director
JRC/DMJ/JB/jms
Attachments
;; ,•'•.
640 Nest Sandy Pkwy
'
! jI Sandy,Utah 84070
Svs-terns, I n c- Phone: (801) 523-3962
Name / Address:
Ship To:
Sales Qdote
Data S.O. No.
1/24/2019 1 W181120-1
Miami PD Miami PD
c/o Wendell Harris c/o Wandell Harris
400 NW 2nd Ave #518 400 NSA/ 2nd Ave #518
Miami, FL33128 Miami, FL33128
Telephone # 305-603-6606 - -
P.O. No. Due Data Sales Rep
Item
Description
I Ordered
Rate
Amount
M -Vac 100 -Case
til -Vac and Sampling Head - Case of 10
3
$540.00
$1,620.00
SRS 1000 -Case
Sterile Solution - 1 Liter - Casa of 10
2
$150.00
$300.00
SEC 100
SEC - Field Unit
1
$31,000.00
$31,000.00
Filter 100 -Case
Sterile Filter Unit 0.45 um, 250 mL PES - Case of 12
3
$139.00
$417.00
TB 05
SEC Extension Tubing 5 ft
4
$23.00
$92.00
TB 10
SEC Extension Tubing 10 rT
2
S34.00
$68.00
MVH
M -Vac Sampling Harness
1
$115.00
$115.00
PF 040
Sterile Pre -Filter, 40 micron
8
$8.00
$64.00
PF Shield
Pre -filter Vacuum Shield - Non Sterle
2
$30.00
$130.00
TRN PI -Vac Sys
Training - M -Vac System - Per Day
2
S650.00
$1,300.00
Equipment Service
Preveritative Maintenance and Service
3
$135-0.00
$1,950.00
3 equipment services performed at the manufacturer's
corporate location in Sandy, UT on an annual basis
to maintain the SEC 100.
Customer
Email Address
Sub -total
$36,986.00
Customer
Signature
Sales Tax
TBD
$0.00
Quote is valid for six months.
_
Shipping & Handling
$349.00
Comments
Shipping quotes are estimates.
Total
$37,335.00
i
0 3 M.-
Jv M `" C
12 January 2019
To Whom It May Concern:
This correspondence is to verify that M -Vac Systems, Inc., is the sole manufacturer and supplier
of the M -Vac System, anew wet -vacuum based surface sampling system. Allcustomers
worldwide - private, industry, government or otherwise - are offered the M -Vac System and its
components exclusively through M -Vac Systems, Inc. as the sole source manufacturer. This also
includes all M -Vac System specific training. The M -Vac System is patent protected and, as far
as our searches have shown, there is no other surface sampling system that is like it.
Also let it be known that M -Vac Systems, Inc. is a private, Service Disabled Veteran Owned
Small Business entity.
If there are any questions or concerns regarding this equipment or M -Vac Systems Inc. please
feel free to contact me at any time.
Sincerely,
Jared Bradley
President/CEO
M -Vac Systems, Inc
640 W. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070
P: (801) 523-3962
F: (801) 572-8174
www.m-vac.com
ro: Jorge R. Colina
Chief of Police
(Through Channels)
FROM : endell Harris
Forensic Investigations Manager
Crime Scene Investigations Unit
CITY OF MIAN11. FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE I.11EMORANUUNI
V U-
r
DATE: February 15, 7Sys
susJEcr: M -Vac DNA tim
Sole Source Request` -- ---�1
REFERENCES:
ENCLOSURES:
The Crime Scene Unit is requesting a sole source finding for the purchase of an NI -Vac DNA
collection vacuum. The M -Vac is a technological advancement in DNA collection capabilities.
The :vet vacuum system is designed to collect minute DNA samples from evidence surfaces.
Unlike the current method of scraping or swabbing evidence for DNA where only the surface can
be swabbed, the M -Vac system utilizes a sterile solution and vacuum pressure to extract the
microscopic DNA cells from evidence surfaces and also below the surface. The solution and DNA
material is then run through a filter for minute DNA collection.
DNA collection is a vital tool used by the Crime Scene Unit especially when the likely hood of
lifting- latent fingerprints are not viable to obtain. Currently the Crime Scene Unit relies upon the
traditional methods of DNA collection by scraping or swabbing surfaces for DNA collection.
Members of the Crime Scene Unit readily collect DNA samples on most scenes including but not
limited to Burglaries, Robberies, and Homicides.
A key advantage of use of the M -Vac system is of the amount of area that can be covered when-
collecting
hencollecting DNA samples. While swabbing or scraping can only gather a few square inches of area,
the M -Vac vacuum can extract DNA from large areas such as entire garments or bed sheets. In
addition; DNA samples can be obtained from difficult porous items such as ropes, clothing,
restraints, and porous items found in water.
The M -Vac System is the only system that will allow Crime Scene Investigators the ability to
extract and collect DNA samples from the surface and beneath the surface. A greater degree of
DNA can be obtained from difficult locations, particularly porous surfaces that otherwise defy
simple scraping or swabbing. Subsequently, the M -Vac system is currently being used on Crime
Scenes by the Miami Beach Police Department.
The cost of this system is $37,335.00 and would be purchased under the approved 2017 Edward
Byrne Memorial (JAG) Program #2456. This purchase would benefit the Miami Police
Department in advanced capabilities of DNA evidence collection in pursuit of crime solving.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of this matter. Please feel free to contact me regarding
any concerns or questions at 305-603-61M6
05-603-6
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MAR 0 1 2019
BUSINESS MANAGEiJIE IT SECT 10
ASSISTAINT CHLEF CSF
L�YESTIGATIONS i?1jZSIO_i
AD�iL�ISTRATION DN
MARKET RESEARCH
Contract No.: SS 18-19-029
Current Term: New
Expiration Date:
Title: M -Vac DNA Collection System for Police
Recommendation:
® Sole Source Contract
❑ Solicit Competition
Procurement Contracting Officer:
Richard McLaren, C.P.M.
❑ Access Contract
❑ Other
Background:
The Department of Procurement ("Procurement") has been tasked with researching whether M -Vac Systems is
a Sole Source. M -Vac Forensic is used for the collection of Deoxyribonucleic Acid ("DNA"). This DNA Collection
System is solely manufactured and patented by M -Vac Systems, Inc.
Research Conducted:
Market Research was conducted by Procurement on the internet to research the various DNA Collection
Systems available, the findings are as follows:
The traditional method of DNA Collection is swabbing, cutting or taping. All three (3) of these methods are often
unsuccessful when used on rough or porous surfaces, large surfaces and DNA on clothing. The problem with
using these three (3) methods is the inability to collect enough DNA material for a viable specimen to match.
The M -Vac system operates similar to a wet/dry vacuum in order to collect DNA. Special filters are then used to
concentrate and collect the DNA material for testing This technology was invented by M -Vac Systems, Inc. and
they hold the patent. They are the sole manufacturer and distributor.
M -Vac is credited with solving an 18 year old cold case in Wasatch County, Utah. The murder weapon was a
rock which was swabbed and taped in order to collect DNA, however not enough DNA could be collected to
make a legal determination. 18 years later armed with an M -Vac System the Wasatch County Sheriff's office
was able to collect sufficient DNA for a match. The suspect is now awaiting trial. M -Vac was also used in the
Zodiac murder cases from 1966.
This system is in use today in the Police Department of Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Davie, Miami Beach and
Pembroke Pines, as well as the Sheriff's Departments in Broward County and Collier County. The system is
used Nationwide and in Iceland.
Comparable Contracts:
This system has been procured through a Sole Source for all the above-mentioned municipalities, counties and
country.
Recommendation:
Procurement recommends a Sole Source finding for the purchase of the M -Vac Forensic DNA Collection System
from M -Vac Systems, Inc. M -Vac Systems, Inc. is the sole manufacturer and holds the patent. M -Vac which is
the only DNA Collection System currently available in the world providing better results than swabbing, cutting
or taping.
Procurement Contracting Officer: / Date: l �i
Procurement Contracting Man714,
er: � i -��� Date:
Director/Asst. Director.Date:
!MI -VAC FORENSIC DNA COLLE CTION SYSTEM
-_. The M -Vac System is a wet -vacuum based forensic
DNA collection device that is helping investigators
solve more crime. It has been used on dozens of
cases and has produced DNA profiles numerous
times when traditional methods such as
swabbing and cutting have failed to produce
viable results. It is ideal for touch DNA
scenarios, and can capture many
times more DNA material than other
methods from porous surfaces like
clothing or other fabrics as well as
rough surfaces such as rock, brick
or concrete. Investigators who are
using the M -Vac System are
seeing impressive results and are
moving many cases forward.
The M -Vac and
Sampling Head
are shipped in
sterile packaging
and sold in cases
of 10 each.
Extension tubing is shipped
in sterile packaging and
ranges from 5 to 60 ft
lengths.
yc'�eFvec
D � «
The M- Vac includes a heavy-duty
cart for transport and use at the crime scene.
The DNA Filtration Unit
is shipped in sterile
packaging and is sold in
cases of 12 each.
The sterile,
+ DNA -free buffer
i solution is
shipped in
sterile packaging
1
and is sold in
o+
cases of
10 each.
The DNA Filtration Unit
is shipped in sterile
packaging and is sold in
cases of 12 each.
Z 200
� 18o
z+ 160
m 140
c 120
100
z eo
60
y 40
U
all 20
a. a
CASE SUMMARIES & INDEPENDENT STUDIES
75 7 5 0.75 C 075
h4 -VAC ,rT Dcublo Swab. Tap,ng ■
Percent DNA re wvery of blood (0.075-75 pL)ANW
various collection methods on denim with error bars
representing the 2SD cakulated using the theory of
. rmnanatinn 4 rami ra am-ir
70
85
so
45
z 40
35
30
a 25
x 20
� 15
m
s
0
Blank Shirt Female worn Dry Grab S%eat Grab
M -VAC N Cutting N
Krystal Beslanowitch - Homicide Cold Case
In 2013, the M -Vac System helped solve an 18 yr old cold case homicide by collecting touch
DNA from a rock. The victim, 17 yr old Krystal Beslanowitch, was found lying face down next to
a river in rural Utah. A bloody rock that was obviously used to bludgeon her to death was next to
her. The Wasatch County Sheriff investigators had little else to go by.
Over the next two decades investigators pursued every angle possible, but any lead to the al-
leged killer went cold. At the time, despite the suspicion that the killer likely deposited epithelial
cells on the bare side of the rock, the technology available could not produce a DNA profile.
Even when forensic lab processes reached the level of sensitivity where it became feasible,
using traditional methods investigators could not collect enough DNA material to generate a
viable profile. Then they were introduced to a wet -vacuum based method called the M -Vac.
They decided to try the new method and it turned everything around.
In September of 2013, the alleged killer was arrested. The DNA material found on the rock tied
the suspect to the crime. The evidence was always there, but the technology to collect it had to
be developed and utilized for the case to move forward. The suspect now awaits trial.
Water Soaked Clothing — Homicide/Possible Sexual Assault
The victim, a female child, was found partially submerged in water and was recovered within 10
hours of the last confirmed contact. Although the victim showed signs of sexual assault, the ex-
amination by the coroner and the subsequent probative serological tests revealed no signs of
semen or spermatozoa. The other leads in the case did not produce enough results to move the
case forward. The case stalled.
The victim's clothing was sent to a private forensics lab with an M -Vac. Areas of the clothing
where semen should have been and locations where the perpetrator could have touched were
examined with an M -Vac. A minimal amount of male DNA was obtained from the area where the
semen would likely have been located, 140pg. The ratio of female to male DNA was 6000:1, but
the YFiler YSTR amplification kit produced a 9 of 17 loci partial profile. The case was moved for-
ward through greater sensitivity and scalability.
Copies of the case summaries and independent evaluations are available from M -Vac
Systems by request.
1 each - Support Equipment Case (SEC) with cart - 110 or 230 Volt
20 each - M -Vac and Sampling Head
10 each - Sterile Buffer Solution - 1 liter
24 each - Filter Unit
2 each - M -Vac Extension Tubing 10 ft
2 each - M -Vac Extension Tubing 5 ft
On-site Training
Price list and item descriptions available upon request