Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve Sole Source Contract #20260158 for Fingerprint Capture and Enhancement System Core with Foster & Freeman USA Inc.
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Submitted By: India Barr, Procurement Contracting Officer II, Procurement Management Division (PMD).
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: India Barr, Procurement Contracting Officer II, (PMD).
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and Foster & Freeman USA Inc.
3. Purpose: Purchase of the DCS6 (Digital Crime Scene 6) Fingerprint Capture and Enhancement System Core, a forensic imaging and analysis platform, from Foster & Freeman USA Inc. for operational deployment in latent print documentation and digital enhancement workflows.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New.
5. Duration: One-time purchase which includes a four (4) year subscription.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: The DCS6 Fingerprint Capture and Enhancement System Core strengthens the City’s forensic capabilities and improves the efficiency of criminal investigations. This advanced platform enables high-resolution capture and digital enhancement of latent fingerprints, producing clearer, court-ready evidence that supports more accurate identifications and stronger prosecutorial outcomes. By streamlining the documentation and analysis of forensic evidence, the system reduces investigative turnaround times, enhances case throughput, and minimizes reliance on external laboratory services. These improvements directly contribute to faster suspect identification, improved public safety, and long-term cost savings through increased in-house forensic capacity.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): Estimated expenditure not to exceed $168,378.68.
Presentation Information: N/A.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council waive formal bidding, per City Code of Ordinances, Section 35.08(a)(25)(a)(1) and approve Sole Source Contract #20260158 for Fingerprint Capture and Enhancement System Core with Foster & Freeman USA Inc.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve Sole Source Contract #20260158 for Fingerprint Capture and Enhancement System Core with Foster & Freeman USA Inc.
2. Move that the Council not approve and provide staff with direction.
Background: The multi-component laboratory imaging and capture system currently in use is no longer supported following the closure of SPEX Forensics in the summer of 2025. The proposed DCS6 system will not only replace the existing fingerprint imaging platform but will also significantly enhance functionality. It surpasses the capabilities of the former Reflective Ultraviolet Imaging System (RUVIS) by incorporating advanced lighting controls, interchangeable filtered lenses, and enhanced alternate light source imaging options.
Issues/Analysis: The DCS6 represents the latest generation of Foster & Freeman's forensic imaging and evidence documentation systems. It is an integrated workstation designed for the detection, capture, and enhancement of latent, patent, and contaminated impressions. In addition to fingerprint work, the DCS6 is designed to document a wide range of forensic materials including trace evidence, questioned documents, and surface-borne markings using specialized lighting, filters, and digital enhancement tools. Its comprehensive imaging platform allows forensic personnel to visualize ridge detail and other evidentiary features that may be difficult or impossible to detect with conventional methods, thereby improving the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of forensic examinations. The PD’s CSI Manager has compared the equipment from Safariland Group and several other vendors. No other vendor offers this equipment. All other systems are not comprehensive, do not offer the equipment in its entirety, and would require a larger budget purchase.
Financial Information: Funds are appropriated in the General Fund/CID/Machinery & Equipment (#001-2115-564400-00000).
Special Consideration: N/A.
Location of Project: N/A.
Attachments:
1. Signed Contract.
2. Sole Source Approval.
3. Foster & Freeman Proposal.
4. Sole Source Notice.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 26064-02.
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Alyssa Lunin, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.