Forensic Proficiency Tests

The County of San Mateo is seeking quotations for: Qualified proficiency testing providers, accredited to ISO/IEC 17043 in the field of Proficiency Testing Provider, to furnish forensic proficiency tests for the laboratory's applicable forensic disciplines. The purpose of this Request for Quotations (RFQ) is to establish a contract with a provider capable of supplying reliable, scientifically appropriate, and professionally administered proficiency testing programs that support the laboratory's quality assurance and accreditation requirements. The selected vendor will provide proficiency tests that are appropriate for the laboratory's areas of forensic analysis, which include Forensic Biology/DNA, Latent Prints, Firearms, Controlled Substances, Toxicology Testing and Calibration, and Crime Scene Investigation. Testing materials should be representative of casework and sufficiently challenging to evaluate the technical competency of participating analysts and the effectiveness of the laboratory's analytical procedures. Services should include, preparation and distribution of test materials, secure and confidential test administration, submission and evaluation of participant results, documentation of results, and issuance of proficiency testing reports. The provider should maintain appropriate controls to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of test materials and participant results. Proficiency test results should also be forwarded to the laboratory's accrediting body (ANAB). The overall objective of this procurement is to obtain high-quality, independent proficiency testing services that provide an effective assessment of analyst competency, identify opportunities for improvement, support continuous quality assurance, and help maintain the laboratory's compliance with applicable accreditation standards and forensic best practices. Please complete the Pricing Bid Table in section 3 and please also upload your competitive quotation including accurate lead times as well as any applicable freight and delivery costs for the items listed. Cost, conformity to specifications of goods, and product availability will be considered. After an evaluation of all quotations, a County contract and purchase order is expected to be issued in association with the lowest, responsive bid received from a qualified, responsible, and manufacturer/publisher authorized vendor. The contract may have the option for two one-year extensions.