SAM #PR-26-001636

Sole Source Procurement of Polyetherimide Build Plates for FBI Forensic Research

This notice announces the FBI's intent to award a sole-source contract for specialized 3D printer build plates. - Agency: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice - Purpose: Procurement of consumer-grade polyetherimide (PEI) build plates for use in fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers - Application: Forensic research focused on examining toolmarks generated during 3D printing - Vendor: Tyson Build Plates, 12 Channel Street, Boston, MA - Sole Source Justification: Tyson Build Plates is the only known vendor able to provide: - Consecutively manufactured PEI build plates - Government-witnessed and recorded manufacturing processes - Full documentation of manufacturing techniques - Domestic (U.S.-only) manufacturing and shipping - Willingness to provide government access to production processes - Requirements: - No international manufacturing or shipping - All production must be witnessed and documented - Vendor must allow government access to manufacturing methods - Quantities/Part Numbers: Not specified in the notice - Competition: Not open for competitive proposals, but capability statements from other vendors who can meet all requirements will be considered - Commercial Opportunity: Potential for other vendors to respond if they can fully meet the unique requirements

Description

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTATIONS. This announcement constitutes the only notice that will be published.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intends to award a sole‑source, firm‑fixed‑price contract to Tyson Build Plates, 12 Channel Street, Boston, MA 02210, for the procurement of consumer‑grade polyetherimide (PEI) build plates (BPs) used in fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers.

These BPs are flat, heated printing surfaces—typically flexible magnetic spring steel, chemically or mechanically textured, and coated with PEI—to ensure stable filament adhesion during printing and controlled release after cooling. The BPs are required to support ongoing forensic research involving the examination of toolmarks generated during 3D printing processes.

The selected vendor is uniquely capable of providing witnessed, documented, consecutively manufactured PEI build plates produced entirely within the United States. The manufacturing process must occur domestically; build plates cannot be produced outside the United States and shipped to a facility for inspection. The vendor is also willing to provide direct access to their manufacturing processes, which is uncommon in the 3D‑printing industry due to intellectual‑property protections. This access is essential to ensure the build plates accurately replicate the characteristics of internationally produced PEI plates while meeting the technical requirements of the research.

Unique Requirements

Manufacturing must occur within the United States. Build plates may not be manufactured internationally or shipped from overseas. Manufacturing must be witnessed and recorded by Government personnel. Manufacturing techniques must be fully documented. Build plates must be consecutively manufactured. Vendor must allow access to production processes, which is typical for forensic research.

This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, any responsible source that believes it can meet all requirements may submit a capability statement to Contracting Officer Adelle Bolton at albolton@fbi.gov. Responses must be received no later than 5:00 PM ET on July 11, 2026, and must clearly demonstrate the firm’s ability to meet all requirements listed. Justification is available upon request.

No phone inquiries will be accepted. Responses must include clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government, along with the company’s Unique Entity ID (UEID) and business size classification.

A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

No reimbursement will be made for any costs incurred in providing capability information.

Vendors must be registered in SAM.gov (effective July 29, 2012) to be eligible for federal contracts. The FBI’s financial system interfaces directly with SAM; therefore, vendors must ensure their SAM registration is current and accurate, including Tax Identification Number (TIN), Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) details, UEID, addresses, and contact information. EFT banking information in SAM will be used by the FBI to process payments.

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