IFB P2595018, Cannabis, Pesticide, and Witness Testimony Services

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a contractor to provide forensic cannabis and pesticide testing services, along with expert witness testimony in legal proceedings, under a fixed-price Invitation for Bid with a maximum contract value of $49,999.99. The scope includes quantitative analysis of THC content, pesticide residues, and heavy metals in cannabis samples, with all testing required to meet forensic standards, including ISO accreditation and DEA certification for handling controlled substances. Expert witnesses must hold a Ph.D. in the relevant scientific field and be available to testify in court within 14 days of notification. Testing must comply with California Code of Regulations Title 4 Section 15719, with results documented in court-admissible Certificates of Analysis that clearly indicate pass/fail status based on a limit of quantitation of ≤0.10 μg/g for Category I pesticides. Chain-of-custody procedures, secure storage protocols, and qualified personnel with Bachelor’s degrees in Science are mandatory, and all subcontracting requires prior state approval. The contract operates under a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable evaluation model, where compliance with all technical and administrative requirements takes precedence over cost, and the award will go to the lowest bidder who meets minimum standards. A DVBE participation incentive offers a 5% or 2% price adjustment based on the level of certified disabled veteran business enterprise involvement. The contractor must submit a complete bid package including certifications such as the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet, Payee Data Record, and Darfur Contracting Act Compliance, and must disclose any use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in service delivery under Executive Order N-12-23, or risk disqualification. Other special requirements prohibit use of equipment from sanctioned entities like Huawei and Hikvision, block forced or convict labor, and restrict business with Russia-related entities. Performance will occur at the contractor’s facility in Alameda, California, with samples delivered by CDFW, and services must be completed by June 30, 2027. Invoices must be itemized and submitted electronically to the CDFW Contract Manager, with payment processed through the State Controller’s Office, and all proposals must be submitted electronically as PDFs or by sealed hard copy to specified Sacramento or West Sacramento locations by May 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM Pacific Time.