Upgrade STRmix Software

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a base year plus four option year sole source contract, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b), with Nichevision Forensics, LLC located in Akron, Ohio for maintenance and upgrades to STRmix DNA Software.Sole Source Justification is as follows:The Applied Genetics Group in the Biochemical Science Division at NIST develops protocols and standards to aid in the deconvolution of forensically relevant complex mixture samples. The Group uses STRmix software provided by NicheVision, Inc for this purpose which is essentialfor analysis of these complex mixtures and to aid the forensic community through lectures, presentations, and educational workshops. The data analyzed with this software system is used to evaluate this new technology for the forensic community. The software system supports dataanalysis within projects pertaining to DNA biometric, DNA forensic, future DNA Standard Reference Material production, and advanced mixture deconvolution.Market research concluded the publisher of the software the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) selected NicheVision Forensics LLC as the exclusive US distributor for the STRmix expert DNA analysis system. As such, NIST has determined Nichevision to be the only source available.No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 12/16/2019 at 11:00AM will be considered by the Government.A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive