DNA Testing Services, Evaluations & Research

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting a statutorily mandated fifteen-business-day advertisement for an intended single-source procurement of DNA Testing Services, Evaluations & Research from Othram, Inc., under solicitation number FDLE-SS-2659. This action is not a request for bids or proposals but a public notice required by law to allow potential vendors an opportunity to demonstrate their capability to meet the specified requirements. The procurement aims to secure forensic genetic genealogy services essential for identifying unidentified human remains and persons across Florida’s law enforcement and medical examiner agencies. The scope includes Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing (FGGSTM), shotgun sequencing targeting 500K or more SNP markers, or whole genome sequencing of unknown samples, along with access to and uploads to law enforcement-permitted genetic databases such as GEDmatch and FTDNA. The vendor must generate validated likelihood ratios for direct SNP-to-SNP comparisons and ensure all statistical weight methodologies are documented and published in peer-reviewed scientific literature. All genetic genealogists and scientific staff must be directly employed by the vendor, with no subcontracting permitted. The contract period is twelve months, with performance to occur in Florida, and the services are categorized under NAICS code 41105600, with additional UNSPSC codes for DNA Sequencing Products, Biological Laboratory Services, and Genetics Research Services. Quality control standards require the integration of a molecular-level suitability assessment for samples using methods like real-time quantitative PCR or proprietary analysis, as well as a QC system capable of root-cause analysis for any errors. The agency will review submissions from prospective vendors by the deadline of June 29, 2026, and if no other qualified source is identified, intends to proceed with Othram, Inc., as the sole provider based on the technical uniqueness of its FGGSTM technology. The point of contact for inquiries is Angela Githens, reachable at FDLEOGSContracts@fdle.state.fl.us or by phone at 850-410-7300, with the agency’s physical address listed as 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. The contract value is not specified as a fixed dollar amount but is structured as a rate agreement, and no packaging, marking, invoicing, or payment details are provided in the advertisement.