ITB_34301-13664_QC_Amendment_1.pdf
PDF 243 KB Posted
- Attached to
- LabN Macro to Genus 02725 - Updated
- Solicitation number
- Event 34301-13664
- Issued by
- Davidson County, Tennessee
About this file
This document is Amendment #1 for Invitation to Bid (ITB) #34301-13664 issued by the Tennessee Department of Health for Macroinvertebrate to Genus identification services. The amendment addresses multiple vendor questions regarding the original bid, clarifying specifications around quality control (QC) processes, sample handling, data entry requirements, and project timelines. Specifically, the amendment removes a previously highlighted specification about external QC, confirms that QC can be performed in-house after two initial samples are approved by TDH lab staff, and establishes that vendors can submit data in portions within a 60-day turn time. The amendment also confirms no external voucher collection is needed for genera listed on the provided verified taxa list and that no contractor's license is required for this scientific analytical work.
The amendment indicates that no written formal proposal is required beyond the cost line items, and no redlines or changes to the ITB documents will be accepted. Vendors must pass three certifications for macroinvertebrates and one for diatoms (SFS certification), with no additional licenses needed. The amendment reinforces that shipping costs should be included in the bid price, all sample materials must be returned to the lab, and a Microsoft Excel data entry template with minimum required information should be used. The overall procurement seeks multiple vendors to provide macroinvertebrate genus-level analysis for water samples, with an anticipated contract start date of July 2, 2025, and potential for a multi-year agreement.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| ITB_34301-13664_QC_Amendment_2.pdf | ||
| LabN_Macro_to_Genus_02725.pdf | ||
| blank_form_for_macroinvertebrates.csv | CSV file | |
| verified_taxa_list.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Specifications_Macroinvertebrate_(Genus).pdf | ||
| master_taxa_list_for_macroinvertebrates.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| ITB_34301-13664_QC_Amendment_1.pdf | ||
| Terms_and_Conditions_34301-13664.pdf | ||
| Specifications_Macroinvertebrate_(Genus).pdf | ||
| LabN_Macro_to_Genus_02725.pdf | ||
| blank_form_for_macroinvertebrates.csv | CSV file | |
| master_taxa_list_for_macroinvertebrates.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| verified_taxa_list.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Terms_and_Conditions_34301-13664.pdf | ||
| Terms_and_Conditions_34301-13364.pdf | ||
| LabN_Macro_to_Genus_02725.pdf | ||
| Specifications_Macroinvertebrate_(Genus)_Multi-Award_5.23.25.pdf |
Show all 17
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Text version
ITB # 34301-13664 – Amendment # 1 Page 1 of 2
STATE OF TENNESSEE
DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
INVITATION TO BID # 34301-13664
AMENDMENT #1
FOR MACROINVERTEBRATE TO GENUS
DATE: June 25, 2025
ITB # 34301-13664 IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
1. State responses to questions and comments below amend and clarify this ITB.
Any restatement of ITB text in the Question/Comments shall NOT be construed as a change in the actual wording of the ITB document.
PAGE
QUESTION / COMMENT STATE RESPONSE
1. The specifications state that, “The samples can be QC’d by sending the slides and data to TDH or submitting the slides to another lab (if submitted to another lab, submit results after QC work has been completed).”
a. Is any internal qa/qc required or just external?
b. Does TDH decide who completes this external QA/QC?
c. If this external QA/QC is not completed by the TDH, is TDH or our company responsible for the cost associated with external verification?
d. Can we have a second taxonomist from our company complete the QA/QC requirement (i.e. is internal instead of external QA/QC ok), or must the 10% be completed by an outside entity?
e. Is the sorting to be QA/QCed externally as well, or is that part internal?
The highlighted statement was inadvertently included in these specs and has been removed. See updated Specification D.1.
All questions about “external” QC do not apply
a. Macroinvertebrates may be QC’d in house, after 2 QC’s have been passed from TDH lab staff (if the lab has not QC’d samples from the contractor, the contractor will have to have the lab QC two samples and after those samples pass the contractor may QC in house).
b. N/A
c. N/A
d. It can be internal if it is macroinvertebrates with the above restrictions.
e. Sorting falls under the same conditions with passing from TDH with two, then internal qc.
2. Will the TDH pay for shipping for sample return and shipping to external QA/QC contractor, or should this be wrapped into the per sample rate?
No, it should be figured into the cost of the bid
3. Do you need the sortate and residual debris returned at the project close (i.e., the unsorted part of sample and the debris left over from the picked part of the sample), or just the identified specimens?
Yes. All material should be returned to the lab.
4. Does the DOH have a Microsoft Excel® data entry benchsheet template they would like us
The lab has an example, but if the vendor has one that they use they can submit it to make sure it has all the
ITB # 34301-13664 – Amendment # 1 Page 2 of 2
PAGE
QUESTION / COMMENT STATE RESPONSE
to use, or should we use our own after approval? (Specifications mentions a TN DOH approved sheet).
a. Please attach if you have a template in mind.
information needed. The attached example has the bare minimum of information needed from the vendor (the vendor can add more if their sheet has more information).
5. Specifications require a 60 day turn time.
How many samples do you predict sending in each batch to meet this turn? And how often will samples be sent? Please include a table or proposed timeline.
a. Does this turn time include the external QA/QC as well, or just the initial data set?
b. If it does include the QA/QC would you be open to considering a 90 day turn?
a. This includes the QC (there is no external QC).
The data can be sent in portions. So, for example, if the vendor has 30 samples and wants to send the data in groups of 10 to include the QC, that will work.
b. The lab would send however many samples the vendor can complete in that timeframe. Adjust the numbers of samples that can be accepted accordingly.
6. Do you need a voucher or reference collection?
For this question, reference the “verified taxa list” attached. If the genus name is on the list, the lab does not need a voucher. IF it is NOT on the list, please keep a voucher specimen.
7. Do you need TMI calculated for each sample?
No
8. Can you please provide a copy of your state master taxa list?
Attached “master taxa list for macroinvertebrates”
9. Do you need any type of written formal proposal? Or just the cost for line items in the Event Details and other attachments in the bid packet?
A written formal proposal is not required.
10. Because the work we will propose to perform is scientific in nature (analysis of water samples) and does not involve construction, repair, or building-related services, please confirm that this type of work does not fall, under the scope of the Contractors Licensing Act. Presumably, we are NOT required to have a Contractors License in order to submit a bid for this ITB, is that correct?
Will any additional licenses be required?
There are no license required, just the passing of the 3 certifications for macroinvertebrates and the 1 for diatoms (SFS certification).
A Contractor’s License is only required when applicable.
11. Will redlines or revised insurance requirements be accepted?
No redlines or changes to the ITB documents will be accepted.
2. Delete original Specifications in its entirety and replace with updated Specifications. All changes are highlighted on the updated Specification document.
3. ITB Amendment Effective Date. The revisions set forth herein shall be effective upon release.
All other terms and conditions of this ITB not expressly amended herein shall remain in full force and effect.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .