IFB 25-E0035 Laboratory Analytical Services

This contract invites bids for advanced laboratory analytical services to characterize microplastics and associated chemicals in drinking and bottled water samples for the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, supporting human health risk assessments. The work must adhere to the regulatory definition of microplastics from State Water Resources Control Board Resolution No. 2020-0021, but the operational scope focuses specifically on particles ranging from 200±100 nanometers to 500 micrometers, accompanied by targeted and non-targeted chemical analysis. The contractor is required to perform sample analysis using validated methods aligned with EPA 200.8, EPA 533, EPA 8270E, and ASTM D7485, implementing rigorous quality assurance and quality control protocols including method detection limits, calibration verification, surrogate recoveries, blank controls, and duplicate analyses. All analytical procedures and acceptance criteria must be documented in an Analytical Project Plan that receives written approval from OEHHA prior to implementation, and data must be submitted in standardized, machine-readable formats through the One4All system, including batch QC summaries, spectral packages, and algorithmic documentation. The contract period runs from June 30, 2026, to April 30, 2028, with key milestones including a kickoff meeting, method validation package due by March 2027, quarterly reporting, and a final cumulative deliverable. Performance must occur at the contractor’s facility in California, with physical samples shipped by OEHHA; all data must be electronically submitted to the designated OEHHA email address. The contract is awarded on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable basis, with preference applied to certified Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise bidders, who must submit certification documentation and disclose subcontractor usage via required forms. The bid must be submitted as a single non-fillable PDF containing all 13 mandatory attachments, including certification of business status, minimum qualifications, cost worksheet, contamination control evidence, and conflict of interest statements, with no amendments or alternate language permitted. The contract value is capped at $250,000, with invoicing to be made monthly in arrears via email to OEHHA’s accounting office, and records subject to audit for three years after final payment. Insurance requirements include $1 million commercial general liability, $1 million auto liability with the State named as additional insured, and compliance with California workers’ compensation regulations including self-insurance documentation for qualifying entities.