_Definitions_and_Acronyms_attachment.pdf

This is a Definitions and Acronyms attachment document for Sarasota County Government's Invitation for Bids (IFB #262830RM) for laboratory testing services supporting the county's water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste systems. The solicitation encompasses three testing categories with responses due by April 10, 2026. Category 1 covers wastewater permit compliance, drinking water permit compliance, water use permit compliance, and basic water quality testing, while Categories 2 and 3 address specialized testing services including microbiology, inorganics, nutrients, metals, and solid waste permit compliance. Sample collection and testing will be conducted at five county facilities: three water reclamation facilities, one water treatment plant, and the Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex. The County anticipates an initial three-year contract term and reserves the right to award multiple contracts per category, up to a maximum of two per category. Sample pickups are required seven days per week at water reclamation facilities and Monday through Friday at potable water facilities, with courier service frequency ranging from 25 to 75 pickups per category.

The attachment establishes standardized definitions and acronyms referenced throughout the specifications, including key terminology such as "LABORATORY" (the successful bidder), "ALTERNATE" (the next lowest responsible and responsive bidder), and relevant regulatory abbreviations including FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection), FDOH (Florida Department of Health), EPA, and TNI (The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference Institute). Bidders must hold Florida Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Certification Program (ELCP) certifications for all analyte items and provide verifiable references demonstrating prior testing performance. All pricing must include trip charges, mileage, vehicle charges, travel time, and labor within analyte test fees, with special sampling charged at hourly rates. Sample handling and chain of custody procedures are governed by a standardized Chain of Custody Form with samples maintained at temperatures of 6°C maximum following collection. The County is administered through the Community Services Business Center, Parks and Natural Resources, Resource Management Division, Quality Assurance Office located at 1255 T. Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice, Florida 34292, with no local or American business preferences applying due to grant funding requirements.