SEM/EDS system for GSR- and forensic research

The Forensic Laboratory of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI, Finland) is acquiring new equipment for forensic electron microscopy with the primary focus on gunshot residue (GSR) analysis. The system setup consists of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with backscattered electron detector (BSD) and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) system. The system as a whole is controlled with a PC-based hardware and specialized software for GSR- and elemental analysis. • The total weight of the microscope with the detectors (BSD, EDS), operating indoors in a standard laboratory setting, may not exceed 150 kg. • A 150x100 cm table will accommodate the system. • The system can be adjusted into a mobile unit without the need to pack the system down or power down. • The system has an electron source based on CeB6. • The system includes software for automated GSR analysis. The software shall be fully compliant with ASTM E1588-17 standard and The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes’ (ENFSI) best practices for GSR analysis using a SEM/EDS-system. • Fully compatible software must be available for other areas of forensic analysis. • Possibility for the end-user to write (by the end-user) and order custom control programs. • The system must be able to operate in ambient indoor conditions of under 80% relative humidity and at the temperature range of 20° C ± 4°C. • The system does not rely on liquid nitrogen-cooling, water-cooling, external shielding requirements against EM radiation, or other specialized requirements. • The system works without a network connection. • The system has an analysis computer (Win 10 compatible PC workstation). • The system has a backscattered electron detector (BSD). • The system can accommodate a secondary electron detector (SED). • The system has a thermoelectrically cooled silicon drift energy-dispersive X-ray detector (SDD). • The system produces an accelerating voltage of at least 20 kV. • The system has at least two vacuum level modes. • The system has an optical color navigation camera. • Possibility to add a fully compucentric and fully integrated stage. • At least a 10x10cm stage scan area is required to allow for non-GSR samples, both multiple sample stubs and irregular shaped samples. • At least 30 standard aluminum sample stubs of appr. 12.7 mm in diameter can be loaded in the vacuum chamber for a single analysis run. • As a system performance requirement, at least 190 forensic GSR-samples/month can be analyzed using the system with the following conditions: o The samples are adhesive carbon tape surfaces on standard aluminum stubs of appr. 12.7 mm in diameter o The automated GSR analysis program is utilized in overnight runs (including over-the-weekend runs) and optionally daily analysis runs, with balanced settings for speed and ability to detect particles relevant to GSR o System operators have 20 working days/month on average o Sample quality variation typical of forensic GSR samples is expected. In addition to the system, the purchase included the following services: delivery and installation, user training, maintenance service and customer service.

See section II.1.4) "Short Description".

The National Bureau of Investigation and the chosen supplier have signed both the supply contract and the maintenance contract 21st of December 2021. The value stated in the sections II.1.7) "Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)" and V.2.4) "Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)" of this notice, is an estimated value of the SEM/EDS system's supply and a maintenance contracts, where the length of the maintenance contract is estimated to be ten (10) years. The need for the repair services and spare parts may be different in the contract period than the estimated need for repair services and spare parts.