RFP 25-1372 Laboratory Services for Wastewater Treatment Plants.pdf

Request for Proposals

9/30/2025 RFP No. 25-1372

Dear Prospective Respondent:

Competitive Sealed Proposals will be received by the Purchasing Agent or other designee of the Brazos River Authority no later than 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 30, 2025 for Laboratory Services for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. All qualified firms including Small, Minority, Women Owned Businesses and Historically Underutilized Businesses are encouraged to submit proposals in response to this request.

Proposals must be submitted and received no later than the due date and time specified. Any Proposal received later than the specified time, shall not be considered. The BRA is NOT responsible for ensuring the delivery of Proposals.

Refer to Section 16. Delivery of Proposal Submittals for instructions on submitting a response to this solicitation.

Proposal must be clearly identified as follows on the outside of the sealed physical submission. The BRA shall not be responsible for submissions that are not properly identified. Proper identification of Respondent’s proposal is the sole responsibility of the Respondent and failure to do so may result in the submission not being included in the proposal opening:

PROPOSAL: Laboratory Services for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants

RFP NO: 25-1372

RFP DUE DATE: 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 30, 2025

The BRA shall have the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals, or any part thereof, and to waive any technicalities in the interest of the BRA.

BRA will evaluate all relevant COVID-19, health, safety and business factors on all solicitations to determine when to initiate a notice to proceed on all projects, delivery of goods and/or services or procurement of construction related services to best attempt to balance BRA needs and to protect the health and safety of BRA employees, the employees of respondents and the public at large.

Sincerely, Victor Venegas Purchasing Agent

4600 Cobbs Drive • Waco, Texas 76710 254-761-3166

RFP No. 25-1372 Laboratory Services for Water and Wastewater Treatment plants

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PURCHASING POLICY

The Brazos River Authority (BRA) will ensure that purchases of equipment, materials, supplies, and/or services conform with Texas Procurement law as applicable to the BRA, are cost effective, and contribute to the competitiveness of the BRA and its customers.

Procurement activities will be conducted in an open and fair manner with equal opportunity provided to all qualified parties. The BRA will provide equal contracting opportunities as provided by all applicable State and Federal laws to small business enterprises, Historically Underutilized Businesses and Disadvantaged Business enterprises.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

The Work consists of the furnishing of all labor, materials, services, equipment, and appliances required for the delivery and the supplying of products and/or services as described herein and in the contract documents.

1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION: Proposals must be received no later than the Proposal opening date and time specified above. All Proposals received after closing time will not be considered.

A. To be considered as eligible, a Respondent shall have complied with all legal requirements to permit them to operate in the State of Texas.

B. Proposals must be submitted electronically, mailed or hand delivered to be considered.

2. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS: No Proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after Proposal opening, except by: 1) mutual consent of the BRA and Respondent; or 2) a previously submitted Proposals may be withdrawn upon written request received from Respondent prior to time established for receipt of Proposals.

3. SIGNATURE ON PROPOSALS: To be valid, Proposals must be signed by an authorized person. By such signature, Respondent agrees to strictly abide by the terms, conditions, and Scope of Services embodied in this Request for Proposal.

4. EXAMINATION OF PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS: Before submitting a Proposal, all Respondents shall examine the complete Proposal documents, including Proposal Notice, Instruction to Respondent, and Scope of Services, all of which are part of the Proposal documents.

5. ADDENDA: Unless otherwise stated in the Proposal, answers to all questions, inquiries, and request for additional information will be issued in the form of Addenda. During the Proposal period, prospective Respondent may be advised by Addenda of additions, deletions from, or changes in the requirements of the Proposal documents. The BRA will not be responsible for the authenticity or correctness of oral interpretations of the Proposal documents or for information obtained in any other manner than through the media of Addenda. Receipt of each Addendum shall be acknowledged by the Respondent.

Any questions concerning this Proposal should be submitted on https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority no later than five (5) days prior to the opening of the Proposal. This is to allow the BRA sufficient time to respond to inquiries and provide information to all interested Respondents by Addendum. Unless otherwise stated in the Proposal, Addenda will be posted on https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority.

Respondent is responsible for checking https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority for updates and Addenda until the time at which the submission is due. Failure to respond to all requirements, including those Addenda, shall be grounds for rejection of your Proposal.

6. TAXATION: The BRA is exempt under the Texas Sales Tax and Use Tax Laws, and the Respondent shall not include such taxes in the Proposal.

7. QUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS: The BRA reserves the right to reject any Proposal if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, such Respondent fails to satisfy the BRA that such

Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the contract and to complete the Services contemplated herein.

Conditional Proposals will not be accepted.

8. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS: Unless stated otherwise in the Advertisement or Request for Proposal, the properly identified Proposals received on time will be opened publicly and only the names of the Respondent will be read aloud. Respondents are invited to be present.

9. COMPLIANCE WITH SCOPE OF SERVICES AND RIGHT OF

SELECTION: The Respondent shall abide by and comply with the true intent of the scope of services and not take advantage of any unintentional error or omission.

10. DEVIATION FROM SCOPE OF SERVICES: All deviations from the scope of services must be noted in detail by the Respondent, in writing, at the time of submittal of the formal Proposal. The absence of a written list of deviations at the time of submittal of the Proposal will be considered acceptance of the Scope of Services as written.

Any deviations from the Scope of Services as written not previously submitted, as required by the above, will be grounds for rejection of the material and/or item when delivered.

In case of ambiguity or lack of clarity, the BRA reserves the right to consider the most advantageous Proposal or reject the Proposal.

11. REPRESENTATIONS: By execution and submission of this Proposal, the Respondent hereby represents and warrants to the BRA that Respondent has read and understands the Proposal Documents and this Proposal is made in accordance with the Proposal Documents.

12. INDEMNIFICATION: THE RESPONDENT SHALL COMPLY

WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES,

AND REGULATIONS AND SHALL EXONERATE, INDEMNIFY AND

HOLD HARMLESS THE BRA FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR

DAMAGES RESULTING FROM FAILURE TO DO SO.

IN ADDITION, THE RESPONDENT AGREES TO INDEMNIFY,

KEEP, SAVE AND HOLD THE BRA HARMLESS FROM ANY AND

ALL ACTIONS, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, JUDGMENTS, COSTS

AND EXPENSES INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES,

IN CASE AN ACTION IS FILED OR DOES IN ANY WAY ACCRUE

AGAINST THE BRA, ITS OFFICIALS, OFFICERS, AND

EMPLOYEES IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE AWARDED CONTRACT

FOR ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION OF THE RESPONDENT

IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES UNDER THE AWARDED

CONTRACT, OR THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE CARELESSNESS

OR LACK OF SKILL OF THE RESPONDENT OR THE

RESPONDENT’S OFFICERS, AGENT, CONTRACTORS, ASSIGNS

OR EMPLOYEES. IN THE EVENT A JUDGMENT IS RECOVERED

AGAINST THE BRA FOR ANY SUCH LIABILITY, COSTS OR

EXPENSES, SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE

AGAINST THE RESPONDENT.

IT IS SPECIFICALLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED BY THE

RESPONDENT THAT SUCH INDEMNITY IS INDEMNITY BY THE

RESPONDENT TO INDEMNIFY AND PROTECT THE BRA FROM

LIABILITY, CLAIMS, SUITS, LOSSES, DAMAGES OR CAUSES OF

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority

RFP No. 25-1372 Laboratory Services for Water and Wastewater Treatment plants

ACTION DUE TO THE RESPONDENT’S NEGLIGENCE, ERROR OR

OMISSION.

13. CRITERIA FOR AWARD: The BRA will select the most highly qualified Respondent on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications and then attempt to negotiate with that Respondent a contract at a fair and reasonable price. If a satisfactory contract cannot be negotiated with the most highly qualified Respondent, the BRA will select the next most highly qualified Respondent and attempt to negotiate a contract with that Respondent at a fair and reasonable price. The criteria is stated in section 6 of the RFP.

14. TERMINATION: The awarded contract may be terminated at any time by the BRA, in BRA’s sole discretion, for any cause or for convenience without penalty or liability. Upon receipt of such notice, the supplier shall immediately discontinue all services and actions.

The BRA shall pay the Respondent promptly the accrued and unpaid amounts due for services to the date of termination, to the extent the services are approved by the BRA.

15. CHANGE OF CONTRACT PRICE: The agreed upon contract price shall not be exceeded without the prior written consent of the BRA and may only be modified by a written amendment to the contract executed by both BRA and Respondent.

16. PAYMENT: Unless otherwise specified, payment for services and/or product will be processed within thirty (30) days from invoice date and acceptance of Services and/or product. Invoices presented for payment must be submitted in accordance with instructions contained on the purchase order including reference to purchase order number and submittal to the correct address for processing. Unit price on invoice shall be in two (2) decimal places only, i.e., $ .XX.

The BRA has set a goal to have as much paperwork submitted electronically. Respondents are asked to submit invoices electronically to the following Accounts Payable email address:

accounts. payable@brazos.org. Respondents who use the electronic service should not mail the original invoice.

17. CONFIDENTIALITY OF DOCUMENTS: The BRA is subject to the Texas Public Information Act (PIA). Any information submitted to the BRA by a Respondent shall be considered non-confidential and available to the public, except as follows:

In the event a Respondent considers a specific portion of their Proposal to be confidential and subject to an exception to disclosure under the PIA, such portion must be clearly identified and marked "CONFIDENTIAL". Do not mark an entire Proposal confidential, as this is not in conformance with the PIA and is not acceptable. Only the specific portion or portions of the Proposal that the Respondent considers to be confidential pursuant to the PIA should be marked. IF

AN ENTIRE PROPOSAL IS MARKED CONFIDENTIAL, THE BRA

WILL NOT TREAT ANY PORTION OF THE PROPOSAL AS

CONFIDENTIAL AND THE PROPOSAL MAY BE REJECTED AS

NON-CONFORMING. The BRA will honor notations of confidentiality made in accordance with this paragraph and decline to release such information initially. However, final determination of whether a particular portion of a Proposal may in fact be withheld pursuant to the PIA will be made by the Texas Attorney General or a court of competent jurisdiction.

In the event a public information request is received for a portion of a Proposal that has been marked confidential, the BRA shall ask the affected Respondent if the information may be released. If the release is agreed to, the BRA shall release the information.

If the release is denied, the matter shall be referred to the Texas Attorney General's Office in accordance with the process set forth in the PIA. The Respondent shall be fully and solely responsible for submitting arguments and evidence within the statutory timeframes to the Texas Attorney General’s Office regarding its claim of confidentiality. The BRA will NOT submit arguments on behalf of the Respondent.

The Texas Attorney General's office shall rule on the matter. In the event that it is determined by opinion or order of the Texas Attorney General or a court of competent jurisdiction that such information may not be withheld, then such information will be made available to the requester. If it is determined that the information may be withheld, BRA will withhold the information from the requestor.

Pricing information contained in Proposals or contracts is not considered confidential under the PIA and will be disclosed without making a request to the Texas Attorney General.

RFP No. 25-1372 Laboratory Services for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

LABORATORY SERVICES FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

RFP NO. 25-1372

SUBMITTAL SCHEDULE

Requests for Proposals are posted on the BidNet Direct website at and prospective Respondents should visit the site for potential updates to Proposal requirements.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 RFP is available to download at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority

4:00 PM, Friday, October 17, 2025

Last date and time to ask questions or request additional information. Please submit your questions at

4:00 PM, Thursday, October 23, Post response to questions received as of the deadline or as soon thereafter, as an Addendum on https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority

10:00 AM, Thursday, October 30, Proposals are due.

11:00 AM Thursday, October 30, Proposals will be opened virtually at the link below……………………………..

https://youtube.com/live/L0kAURq15Bk?feature=share

Local Time Prevailing.

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutube.com%2Flive%2FL0kAURq15Bk%3Ffeature%3Dshare&data=05%7C02%7Cvictor.venegas%40Brazos.org%7C941df80f4d2f4c2dc32708ddfb71b9a2%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C638943188048951438%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZHUhfLYrclr%2Br6G9P450SbI0f9%2BVuyJSOhiOcYL6MvI%3D&reserved=0

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

LABORATORY SERVICES FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

RFP NO. 25-1372

1. General The BRA is currently requesting proposals from laboratories to provide professional, accurate, and defensible laboratory analysis services for the routine analysis of water and sludge/soil samples for two

(2) regional surface water treatment plants listed in Table 1.0. Laboratories shall be NELAP accredited by the state of Texas, adhere to the Public Water System Supervision Program (PWSSP) requirements, and be approved as a commercial drinking water lab by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality

(TCEQ).

In addition to the water plant analysis requirements above, BRA is also requesting proposals from laboratories who are NELAP accredited by the State of Texas to provide professional, accurate, and defensible laboratory analysis services for the routine analysis of stormwater, reuse, influent, and/or effluent samples for a variety of analyses listed in Table 2.0 for five (5) municipal wastewater treatment facilities and one (1) municipal reuse facility for compliance with Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permits and Storm Water Multi-Sector General (MSGP) Permits.

Laboratories may submit proposals for some or all of the analyses required in Table 1.0 & 2.0.

2. Scope of Services The BRA requires analytical testing to support its public water systems, wastewater treatment plants, and reuse plant. The BRA will collect and prepare samples for shipment or pickup by the Laboratory from four

(4) established pickup locations. The locations are listed in Table 1.0 and 2.0. Frequency of sample shipment or pickup will range from one (1) to two (2) times per month or on an as needed basis as specified in Table 1.0.

The BRA will collect samples at the four (4) water and wastewater treatment facilities for analysis of some or all of the parameters below:

I. TOC

II. DOC (DOC FILTER)

III. SUVA

IV. UV254

V. pH VI. TTHM plus constituents

VII. HAA5

VIII. Alkalinity IX. E. coli

X. TCLP

XI. Land Application Sludge (see appendix A) XII. Liquid metals digestion XIII. Total Arsenic XIV. Total Cadmium XV. Total Chromium XVI. Total Hexavalent Chromium XVII. Total Barium XVIII. Total Manganese XIX. Total Mercury XX. Total Nickel XXI. Total Silver XXII. Total Zinc

XXIII. Total Copper XXIV. Total Lead XXV. Total Selenium XXVI. UCMR 5 Lithium FB

XXVII. UCMR 5 LFSM

XXVIII. UCMR 5 Lithium LFSMD

XXIX. UCMR 5 EPA 533 EXP LFSM

XXX. UCMR 5 EPA 533 EXP LFSMD

XXXI. UCMR 5 EPA 533 EXP Testing

XXXII. UCMR 5 EPA 537.1 EXP LFSM

XXXIII. UCMR 5 EPA 537.1 EXP LFSMD

XXXIV. UCMR 5 EPA 537.1 EXP Testing

XXXV. UCMR 5 EPA 533 EXP DUP

XXXVI. UCMR 5 EPA 533 EXP FB

XXXVII. UCMR 5 EPA 537.1 EXP DUP

XXXVIII. UCMR 5 EPA 537.1 EXP FB

XXXIX. UCMR 5 Subcontractor Shipping XL. UCMR 5 Data Reporting XLI. UCMR 5 Prep Kit XLII. UCMR 5 Pickup/Sampling/Transport XLIII. UCMR 5 Rejection Reporting XLIV. MPN, E Coli, Total Coliforms I. Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5-Day (BOD5)

If laboratory intends to utilize a subcontractor for any of the analyses, clearly identify which analyses and submit all information identified in Section 4, Tab A through Tab C for the subcontractor.

a. Accreditations Per 30 TAC §25.1 all regulatory data submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must be prepared by an environmental testing laboratory accredited by TCEQ.

Additionally, per 30 TAC §25.9 this accreditation must be based on conformance to the most current standards adopted by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). Laboratory shall be NELAP Accredited for the analyses specified in Table 1.0 and Table 2.0, if accreditation is offered for those parameters by the State of Texas. Laboratory must provide proof of current NELAP accreditation and fields of analyses covered by the accreditation throughout the contract period. Laboratory must also provide proof of current NELAP accreditation and fields of analyses covered by the accreditation for any subcontract laboratories. An electronic copy of any new NELAP Certificates of Accreditation and fields of analyses received during contract period must be submitted to the BRA’s Regional Superintendent and Quality Manager within seven (7) business days of receipt.

b. Quality Manual The NELAP Institute’s 2016 Standard Volume 1, Module 2, Section 4.5.4 requires all laboratories maintain a register of all subcontractors that it uses for tests and/or calibrations and a record of the evidence of compliance with this International Standard (ISO 17025) for the work in question. Furthermore, to ensure the BRA meets the evidence of compliance criteria above and to ensure that all data submitted to the TCEQ on the BRA’s behalf is compliant with NELAP standards, the BRA requires that the selected laboratory(ies) and any subcontractor laboratory(ies) submit an electronic copy of their current Quality Manual. An electronic copy of any amendments or revisions to the Laboratory’s Quality Manual during contract period must be submitted to the BRA’s Regional Superintendent and Quality Manager within seven (7) business days of the effective date.

c. Most Recent Audit with Corrective Action Response The NELAP Institute’s 2016 Standard Volume 1, Module 2, Section 4.5.4 requires all laboratories maintain a register of all subcontractors that it uses for tests and/or calibrations and a record of the evidence of compliance with this International Standard (ISO 17025) for the work in question. Furthermore, to ensure the BRA meets the evidence of compliance criteria above and to ensure that all data submitted to the TCEQ on the BRA’s behalf is compliant with NELAP standards, the BRA requires that the selected laboratory(ies) and any subcontractor laboratories submit an electronic copy of their most recent TCEQ NELAP audit and corrective action response. An electronic copy of any audits and responses occurring during contract period must be submitted to the BRA’s Regional Superintendent and Quality Manager within ten (10) business days of the final resolution of the audit.

d. Other Required Documents Other documents that may be requested during the contract period include, but are not limited to:

1. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for methods or signature page for SOPs;

2. Recent proficiency test data and any associated corrective actions;

3. Statement of qualifications;

4. Updated list of technical staff and qualifications, when changes occur; and

5. A copy of the Laboratory’s Business Ethics and Data Integrity Plan.

e. Analyses and Sample Totals by Facility Per 30 TAC §25.1 all regulatory data submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must be prepared by an environmental testing laboratory accredited by TCEQ.

Additionally, per 30 TAC §25.9 this accreditation must be based on conformance to the most current standards adopted by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). Laboratory shall be NELAP Accredited for the analyses specified in Table 1.0, if accreditation is offered for those parameters by the State of Texas.

A list of analytes, estimated number of samples, preferred methods, and pickup locations required during the contract period is included in Table 1.0 and Table 2.0. The number of samples and/or sample volumes may be subject to change during the contract period if regulatory requirements change, additional facilities are permitted, sampling frequencies change, BRA customers request additional parameters, or noncompliant results occur. Table

1.0 and Table 2.0 contain the estimated number of samples anticipated on an annual basis.

Appendix A. Soil Sampling and Analysis Information

Table 1.0 Water Plant Analyses and Estimated Number of Samples

Plant Name Matrix Test Samples per year Preferred Methods

Pickup Location

East Williamson

County Water

Treatment Plant

(EWC WTP)

Water TOC 24 SM 5310 B, C, or D, or EPA 415.3 Rev. 1.2

EWC WTP

201 CR 495

Taylor, TX

76574

Water DOC 24 SM 5310 B, C, or D, or EPA 415.3 Rev. 1.2

Water DOC Filter 24 SM 5310 B, C, or D, or EPA 415.3 Rev. 1.2

Water SUVA 24 EPA 415.3 Rev. 1.1 or 1.2

Water UV254 24 SM 5910 B or EPA

415.3 Rev. 1.2

Water pH 24 SM 4500-H+, or EPA 150.1, 150.2, or 150.3

Water TTHMs and constituents 12 EPA 524.2 Water HAA5 12 EPA 552.2 Water Alkalinity 12 SM 2320 B

Water E.coli 12 SM 9223 Water, Soil or Sludge TCLP ___ EPA 1311

Land Application

Sludge

See Appendix A for parameters and notes. See Appendix A for method notes.

Water UCMR5 Data Reporting 24-48 N/A Water UCMR5 Prep Kit 24-48 EPA 533 & 537.1

Water UCMR5 Lithium 24-48 EPA 200.7 4.4

Water UCMR5 Lithium LFSM 24-48 EPA 200.7 4.4

Water UCMR5 Lithium LFSMD 24-48 EPA 200.7 4.4

Water UCMR5 533 EXP LFSM 24-48 EPA 533

Water UCMR5 533 EXP

LFSMD 24-48 EPA 533

Water UCMR5 533 EXP Testing 24-48 EPA 533

Water UCMR5 537.1 EXP

LFSM 24-48 EPA 537.1

Water UCMR5 537.1 EXP

LFSMD 24-48 EPA 537.1

Water UCMR5 537.1 EXP Testing 24-48 EPA 537.1

Water UCMR5 Lithium FB 24-48 EPA 200.7 4.4

Water UCMR5 533 EXP DUP 24-48 EPA 533 Water UCMR5 533 EXP FB 24-48 EPA 533 Water UCMR5 533 EXP DUP 24-48 EPA 537.1 Water UCMR5 537.1 EXP FB 24-48 EPA 537.1

Water

UCMR5

Pickup/Sampling/Transp ort

24-48 N/A

Water UCMR5 Rejection Reporting 24-48 N/A

Plant Name Matrix Test Samples per year Preferred Methods Pickup

Location

Sandy Creek Water

Treatment Plant

(SC WTP)

Water TOC 24 SM 5310 B, C, or D, or EPA 415.3 Rev. 1.2

SC WTP

10400

Trails End Road

Leander, TX 78646

Water pH 0 SM 4500-H+, or EPA 150.1, 150.2, or 150.3

Water TTHMs and constituents 72 EPA 524.2 Water HAA5 24 EPA 552.2 Water Alkalinity 0 SM 2320 B

Water E.coli 0 SM 9223

Water, Soil or Sludge TCLP 1 EPA 1311

Land Application

Sludge

See Appendix A for parameters and notes. 0 See Appendix A for method notes.

Water UCMR5 Data Reporting 4 N/A

Water UCMR5 Prep Kit 4 EPA 533 & 537.1

Water UCMR5 Lithium 4 EPA 200.7 .4

Water UCMR5 Lithium LFSM 4 EPA 200.7 4.4

Water UCMR5 Lithium LFSMD 4 EPA 200.7 4.4

Water UCMR5 533 EXP LFSM 4 EPA 533 Water UCMR5 533 EXP LFSM 4 EPA 533 Water UCMR5 533 EXP Testing 4 EPA 533 Water UCMR5 537.1 EXP LFSM 4 EPA 537.1

Water UCMR5 537.1 EXP

LFSMD 4 EPA 537.1

Water UCMR5 537.1 EXP Testing 4 EPA 537.1

Water UCMR5 Lithium FB 4 EPA 200.7 4.4

Water UCMR5 533 EXP DUP 4 EPA 533 Water UCMR5 533 EXP FB 4 EPA 533 Water UCMR5 533 EXP DUP 4 EPA 537.1 Water UCMR5 537.1 EXP FB 4 EPA 537.1

Water UCMR5 Pickup/Sampling/Transport 4 N/A

Water UCMR5 Rejection Reporting 4 N/A

Table 2.0 Wastewater/Reuse Plant Analyses and Estimated Number of Samples

Plant Name Matrix Test Samples per year Preferred Methods Pickup Location

Sugar Land North

Wastewater Treatment

(SLN WWTP)

Stormwater Liquid Metals Digestion 10 EPA 200.2

2.8

SLN WWTP

16450

Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77497

Stormwater

Total: Lead, Manganese, Nickel, Silver, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Zinc, Selenium

10 EPA 200.8

5.4

Stormwater Low Level Mercury Liquid Metals, Total

Mercury

10 EPA 245.7

Stormwater Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) 10 SM 5210B -2016

Stormwater MPN, E.coli, Colilert- 18 10 SM 9223B (Colilert-

18 QT) 2016

Effluent Hexavalent Chromium, Cr6 1 SM 3500-Cr B-2011

Effluent MPN, E.coli, Colilert- 18 1 SM 9223B (Colilert-

18 QT) 2016

Plant Name Matrix Test Samples Per Year Preferred Methods Pickup

Location

Sugar Land South

Wastewater Treatment

Plant

(SLS WWTP)

Stormwater Liquid Metals Digestion 10 EPA 200.2

2.8

SLN WWTP

16450

Southwest Freeway, Manganese, Nickel, Silver, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Zinc, Selenium

10 EPA 200.8

5.4

Stormwater Low Level Mercury Liquid Metals, Total

Mercury

10 EPA 245.7

Stormwater Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) 10 SM 5210B -2016

Effluent Hexavalent, Chromium, Cr6 1 SM 3500-Cr B-2011

Effluent MPN, E.coli, Colilert- 18 1 SM 9223B (Colilert-

Location

Sugar Land South Reuse

Plant

(SLS RP)

Reuse MPN, E. coli, Colilert-18 1 SM 9223B (Colilert-

18 QT) 2016

SLN WWTP

16450

Southwest Freeway, Location

Sugar Land New Territory Wastewater Treatment

(SLNT WWTP)

Digestion 3 EPA 200.2

2.8

SLN WWTP

16450

Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX

77497

Manganese, Nickel, Silver, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Zinc, Selenium

3 EPA 200.8

5.4

Stormwater Low Level Mercury Liquid Metals, Total

Mercury

3 EPA 245.7

Stormwater Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) 3 SM 5210B -2016

Effluent Hexavalent, Chromium, Cr6 1 SM 3500-Cr B-2011

Effluent MPN, E.coli, Colilert-18 1 SM 9223B (Colilert-

Location

Sugar Land Greatwood Wastewater Treatment

Plant

(SLGW WWTP)

Stormwater Liquid Metals Digestion 2 EPA 200.2

2.8

SLN WWTP

16450

Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX

77497

Manganese, Nickel, Silver, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Zinc, Selenium

2 EPA 200.8

5.4

Stormwater Low Level Mercury Liquid Metals, Total

Mercury

2 EPA 245.7

Stormwater Biochemical

Oxygen Demand

(BOD5)

2 SM 5210B -2016

Effluent Hexavalent, Chromium, Cr6 1 SM 3500-Cr B-2011

Effluent MPN, E.coli, Year

Preferred Methods (other TCEQ approved methods may be substituted)

Pickup Location

Clute- Richwood

Wastewater Treatment

(CLR WWTP)

Digestion 7 EPA 200.2

2.8

CLR WWTP

Mockingbird Lane, Clute, TX 77531

Manganese, Nickel, Silver, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Zinc, Selenium

7 EPA 200.8

5.4

Stormwater Low Level Mercury Liquid Metals, Total

Mercury

7 EPA 245.7

Stormwater Biochemical

Oxygen Demand

(BOD5)

7 SM 5210B -2016

Effluent Hexavalent, Chromium, Cr6 1 SM 3500-Cr B-2011

Effluent MPN, E.coli,

f. Methods Laboratory shall perform all analyses using Federal and/or State of Texas approved methods for all items listed in Table 1.0 and Table 2.0 and samples shall be analyzed in accordance with approved EPA testing methods. Any changes to the accredited method require notification to BRA’s Regional Superintendent and Quality Manager within ten (10) business days of the effective change, along with proper documentation showing the new approved method.

g. Project Management

1. Laboratory shall assign a Project Manager to BRA Projects to oversee the delivery of data and ensure that reporting is timely and accurate.

2. Project Manager shall confirm the BRA has received all reports within ten (10) business days of sample receipt.

3. Project Manager shall verify accuracy of reports prior to sending results to the BRA.

4. Project Manager shall notify the Regional Superintendent, Chief Operator, and

Quality Manager of any lab errors resulting in lost data within twenty-four (24) hours of becoming aware of the lab error.

5. Project Manager shall notify the Regional Superintendent, Chief Operator, and Quality Manager of any abnormal results, improperly preserved samples, mislabeled samples, Chain-of-Custody errors, exceedance of holding times, and samples not received, within twenty-four (24) hours of becoming aware of the pertinent issue

6. Project Manager shall submit electronic copies of Corrective Action Reports to the Regional Superintendent, Chief Operator, and Quality Manager when analytical deficiencies occur in BRA data. The Corrective Action Report will include the deficiency and the corrective actions taken to prevent future occurrences. The Corrective Action Report is due to the Regional Superintendent, Chief Operator, and Quality Manager within thirty (30) business days of identification of the deficiency.

h. Reporting Requirements

1. All data reports, tables, plans, summaries, and related correspondence shall be submitted electronically, in .pdf and .xls format.

2. The Laboratory shall submit data reports to the BRA within ten (10) business days of receipt of samples.

3. Reports shall include copies of bench sheets, raw data, chain of custodies, and QA/QC documentation.

4. Laboratory reports shall include a full report of the results of all tests conducted pursuant to the permits.

5. All raw analytical data shall be maintained by the Laboratory for a minimum of five (5) years and will be provided to the BRA upon request by electronic media and/or hard copy.

i. Bottles, Labels, and Chain of Custody

1. Laboratory shall provide all required sample containers complete with required preservatives.

2. Laboratory shall provide pre-printed labels with location, sample type, and analysis pre-filled out, and blank spaces for date, time and sample collector to be filled in.

3. Laboratory shall provide Chain-of-Custody forms.

4. Electronic copies of completed Chain of Custody forms shall be submitted with data reports.

5. Laboratory shall provide all sample shipment containers. Containers must be able to maintain both sample temperature and integrity during shipment.

j. Sample Collection/Pickup/Shipment/Transport

1. BRA will prepare samples for pick-up by Laboratory at East Williamson County, Sandy

Creek Water Treatment Plant, Sugar Land North Wastewater Treatment Plant and Clute- Richwood Wastewater Treatment Plant.

2. Laboratory shall provide all sample transport containers. The sample transport containers shall be designed to maintain both sample temperature and integrity during shipment or transportation of samples.

3. Transportation of samples from the designated BRA location(s) will be provided by laboratory and included with analysis cost. BRA prefers no third-party courier services are utilized during performance of the work; however, this can be discussed as part of contract negotiations.

4. If additional pickup locations are needed, BRA will provide laboratory thirty (30) days advanced notice.

5. If an alternative sample delivery or field collection is necessitated by activities beyond BRA’s control, or as a special request, BRA will coordinate logistics with laboratory as soon as possible.

k. Grounds for possible proposer disqualification:

1. NELAP Audit and Corrective Action Response:

i. Critical finding for repeat/recurring findings.

ii. Ethics/Data Integrity critical findings.

iii. Analyst Initial Demonstration of Capabilities (IDOC) and Demonstration of

Capabilities (DOC) critical findings.

iv. Laboratory required customer notifications due to critical findings.

v. Critical finding for laboratory use of improper method(s) from EPA approved methodologies lists and/or Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Fields of Accreditation (FoA) lists.

2. Proficiency Testing (PT)

i. Repeat/recurring failures which resulted in loss of accreditation for specific analytes listed in Section 2. Scope of Services.

3. Previous negative laboratory performance on BRA contracts.

l. Loss of Data

1. Laboratory shall be responsible for the cost of re-sampling, sample delivery and analysis due to mishandling of samples during transportation to laboratory, incorrect analytical procedures, mishandling of samples at the laboratory, samples not analyzed within required holding times, incorrect detection limits, loss of sample due to equipment failure(s), and samples lost in transportation to laboratory.

2. Laboratory shall contact the Regional Superintendent and Chief Operator within twenty-four (24) hours of knowledge of data loss to schedule another sampling event.

3. Laboratory shall be responsible for any penalties the BRA incurs due to negligence on the part of the Laboratory.

4. Laboratory shall notify the Regional Superintendent and Chief Operator overseeing this Contract, within twenty-four (24) hours of sample receipt, of improper sample collection techniques or Chain-of-Custody inadequacies generating from BRA.

3. Base Proposal The BRA is currently requesting proposals from laboratories to provide professional, accurate, and defensible laboratory analysis services for the routine analysis of water and sludge/soil samples for two

(2) regional surface water treatment plants listed in Table 1.0. Laboratories shall be NELAP accredited by the state of Texas, adhere to the Public Water System Supervision Program (PWSSP) requirements, and be approved as a commercial drinking water lab by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality

(TCEQ).

In addition to the water plant analysis requirements above, BRA is also requesting proposals from laboratories who are NELAP accredited by the State of Texas to provide professional, accurate, and defensible laboratory analysis services for the routine analysis of stormwater, reuse, influent, and/or effluent samples for a variety of analyses listed in Table 2.0 for five (5) municipal wastewater treatment facilities and one (1) municipal reuse facility for compliance with Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permits and Storm Water Multi-Sector General (MSGP) Permits.

Laboratories may submit proposals for some or all of the analyses required in Table 1.0 & 2.0.

4. Information Required in the RFP Submittal The BRA specifically requests succinct submittals tailored to the general and discipline-specific scope of services summarized above. All submittals become the property of the BRA. Each proposal submittal shall include the information requested below.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT ANY OF THE REQUESTED INFORMATION MAY BE GROUNDS

FOR REJECTION OF PROPOSAL OR DELAY ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE

ORDER/CONTRACT.

Tab A: Include the following:

(1) Date your company was established and a brief history; number of employees; provide number and location of offices.

(2) Provide name, title and office location of person who will be the principal contact for the BRA and the billing location if different.

(3) Describe the types of organizations that your company typically serves and general nature of the work.

(4) A list and description of similar services completed within the last five years under your current company name or any other company name similar in nature to this solicitation.

This should include the name, the location, a brief description of Scope of Services, and a contact name and telephone number of a reference for each client. List litigation that your company has been a party to in the last five (5) years, under your current company name or any other company name. Include only litigation that involves business units in your company that are proposed for performing services under this

RFP.

(5) List all such litigation involving owners and/or general contractors. To be fully responsive, provide the level of detail in the attached example, as well as a name and phone number to contact an authorized representative of your company in the event that the BRA needs to clarify your response. Failure to be fully responsive will be sufficient grounds for the BRA to disqualify your company.

(6) Have you ever defaulted, failed to complete a contract or had a contract terminated by the other party? If so, where and why? Provide name and telephone number of the other party.

(7) Please provide the contact information including the email address of the person responsible for providing proof of insurance.

Tab B: Include the following:

(1) Complete and submit the attached Request for Proposals – Proposal Form

(2) Complete and submit the attached W-9 form, or if foreign entity submit the appropriate tax document information.

(3) Complete and submit the attached Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire [CIQ] form.

(4) Complete and submit the Non-Collusion Affidavit form.

(5) HUB Subcontracting Plan

(6) Clearly identify locations/area you are able to provide services to: East Williamson

County, Sandy Creek Water Treatment Plant, Sugar Land North Wastewater Treatment Plant and Clute-Richwood Wastewater Treatment Plant, or all locations listed in the RFP.

(7) Last four (4) PT Reports for specific analytes listed in Section 2. Scope of Services, if applicable.

(8) Copy of current Laboratory Quality Manual, and any subcontractor’s Quality Manuals.

(9) Proof of current NELAP accreditation for all analyses listed in Section 2. Scope of Services.

(10) Most recent Laboratory, and any subcontractor(s), NELAP Audit Report and Corrective Action Response.

(11) Provide a description of the Laboratory’s ability to meet projected workloads and turnaround times for this project and to complete within project management requirements in Section 2.G and reporting requirements in Section 2.H.

(12) Resumes for Laboratory personnel to perform analysis under this contract. Failure to provide requested documentation will be disqualified

(13) Include a sample data report with quality control data from an actual customer (identifying information may be blacked out).

(14) Pricing list: analyte, proposed method, reporting limit & minimum analytical level, and unit cost per analyte (normal rate, weekend rate, and rush analysis rate). Unit cost per analyte should include all costs for laboratory handling, materials, analysis, and reporting.

5. Selection Process Proposals will be evaluated and scored based on the factors listed below.

Cost 20 % Functionality to Pricing 25 % Audit Performance History 25 % Analytical Performance & Proficiency 25 % Service Capabilities/References 5%

6. Hub Subcontracting Plan This solicitation requires a HUB Subcontracting Plan to be completed and submitted. The HUB Subcontracting Plan is attached to this solicitation. If you have any questions regarding the HUB Subcontracting Plan please contact Bryan Gray Purchasing Manager / HUB Coordinator at bryan.gray@Brazos.org.

7. Hub Subcontracting Plan Instructions (If Self Performing HUB and no Subcontractors) If you will not be subcontracting any portion of the contract and will be fulfilling the entire contract with your own resources (i.e., employees, supplies, materials and/or equipment), follow the instructions on the HUB Subcontracting Plan Checklist, first page of the HUB Plan included in this solicitation.

Section 1 - Respondent and Requisition Information

Section 2 a. - No, I will not be subcontracting any portion of the contract, and I will be fulfilling the entire contract with my own resources.

Section 3 - Self Performing Justification Section 4 – Affirmation (Remember to sign Section 4)

If you are subcontracting any work please follow the instructions on the HUB Subcontracting Plan Checklist, first page of the HUB Plan included in this solicitation.

8. RFP Inquiries All inquiries, including clarifying questions, related to this RFP shall only be directed to the Purchasing Agent via https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority The Purchasing Agent will direct any inquiries to the appropriate BRA staff, a response will be issued and if warranted, an Addendum will be posted on the BidNet Direct site. Failure to adhere to this restriction during the advertising, evaluation, and selection phases will result in the rejection of a Respondent’s Proposal.

9. Respondent’s Past Performance BRA will consider Respondent’s past performance and may conduct reference checks with other entities regarding past performance. BRA may examine Respondent’s performance including, but not limited to:

the Vendor Performance Tracking System, notices of termination, cure notices, assessments of liquidated damages, litigation, audit reports, repeated negative performance, records of repeated non-responsiveness to performance issues, and non-renewals of contracts. Such sources of Respondent performance may include any governmental entity, whether an agency or political subdivision of the State of Texas, another state, or the Federal government. Further, BRA may initiate such examinations of Respondent performance based upon media reports. Any such investigations shall be at the sole discretion of BRA, and any negative findings, as determined by BRA, may result in non-award to Respondent.

10. Conflict of Interest Pursuant to Chapter 176 of the Local Government Code, any person or agent of a person who contracts or seeks to contract for the sale or purchase of property, goods, or services with a local government entity (i.e., Brazos River Authority) must disclose in the Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire Form ("CIQ") the mailto:bryan.gray@Brazos.org person's affiliation or business relationship that might cause a conflict of interest with the local government entity. By law, the CIQ must be filed with the BRA Records Management Officer no later than seven (7) days after the date the person begins contract discussions or negotiations with the BRA, or submits an application or response to a Request for Proposals, correspondence, or another writing related to a potential agreement with the BRA. Updated Questionnaires must be filed in conformance with Chapter 176.

A copy of the CIQ is attached. If you have any questions about compliance, please consult your own legal counsel. Compliance is the individual responsibility of each person or agent of a person who is subject to the filing requirement. An offense under Chapter 176 carries a penalty up to a Class A misdemeanor.

11. Term of Agreement The term of this Contract shall be for a period of one (1) year, commencing on the Effective Date, and may be renewed by subsequent agreement of the parties for up to four (4) additional one (1) year periods, for a total potential term of five (5) years.

12. Contract The executed contract between BRA and the selected Respondent shall be a BRA standard form contract for Professional Services. Contract terms are not subject to modification and Respondent will be expected to execute the contract in substantially the form provided. Respondent should not base a proposal on an expectation that BRA will modify its contract terms.

The BRA reserves the right to award contract(s) without any negotiations and reserves the right to not make awards. The BRA reserves the right to conduct studies and other investigations as necessary to evaluate any submittal. Submission of a proposal confers no legal right upon any Respondent.

The decision of BRA, or its designee with regard to the above, shall be administratively final. BRA, in its sole discretion, may waive administrative deficiencies and/or minor technicalities in submittals received.

13. Insurance Requirements The Respondent shall, at Respondent’s sole expense, maintain insurance coverage as determined acceptable to the BRA. The Respondent must obtain the following minimum insurance requirements and provide proof to the BRA prior to entering into a contract:

General Liability Insurance:

Bodily Injury $ 500,000 per occurrence Property Damage $ 1,000,000 per occurrence Aggregate $ 2,000,000

Workers’ Compensation:

Statutory

Automobile Liability: $ 1,000,000 per claim / aggregate

Employers’ Liability

$ 1,000,000 policy limit

Pollution Liability

$ 1,000,000 per claim / aggregate

Before beginning any work under this agreement, the Respondent is required to register with myCOItracking.com and upload documentation that meets the insurance requirements outlined in this agreement. Work WILL NOT commence until the certificate of insurance is approved as compliant. The Respondent must add registration@myCOItracking.com and certificaterequest@myCOIsolution.com to their safe sender list to ensure receipt of essential communications from myCOI. If any issues arise during registration, please contact the myCOItracking support team at (317) 759- 9426.

14. Testing The BRA reserves the right to inspect and test the submitted product. The BRA in its sole discretion may disqualify a submitted product as non-conforming to the specifications if the product does not meet the requirements of the specifications during testing.

15. Recycled and Recyclable Products The BRA encourages the use of recycled products and products that may be recycled or reused.

16. Delivery of Proposal Submittals Proposals may be submitted in one of the following manners:

Electronic Transmission. Electronic Transmission. Electronic submittals will be received on the following platform. BidNet Direct requires you to register at no charge.

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/brazosriverauthority

Drop Box Submission Prior to Proposal Submission Deadline: Hand delivery of one sealed, clearly identified original signed paper copy submission may be received up to the proposal submission deadline contained in the solicitation at the Brazos River Authority Waco Central Office, 4600 Cobbs Dr. Waco, Texas 76710, utilizing the secure drop box located at the entrance of the office building. The BRA shall not be responsible for submissions that are not properly identified. Proper identification of Respondent’s proposal is the sole responsibility of the Respondent and failure to do so may result in the submission not being included in the proposal opening.

Mail-In Delivery: Mailed by commercial carrier, overnight or express mail, one sealed clearly identified original signed paper copy submission may be accepted by the Purchasing Agent or other designee up to the proposal submission deadline contained in the solicitation at the Brazos River Authority Waco Central Office, 4600 Cobbs Drive, Waco, Tx. 76710. The BRA shall not be responsible for submissions that are not properly identified. Proper identification of Respondent’s proposal is the sole responsibility of the Respondent and failure to do so may result in the submission not being included in the proposal opening.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Laboratory Services for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants

RFP No. 25-1372

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND

RECEIPT OF ADDENDA

RESPONDENT MUST ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND

ADDENDA BY SIGNING BELOW AND SUBMITTING THIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WITH YOUR

PROPOSAL. FAILURE TO SIGN THIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WILL DISQUALIFY THE PROPOSAL

AS NON-RESPONSIVE. SIGNATURE MAY BE DIGITAL, ELECTRONIC OR HANDWRITTEN.

This acknowledgement shall become part of your response and the subsequent contract documents if applicable.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Respondent hereby acknowledges that it has received and read the Request for Proposals and all Addenda, and that this Proposal is made in accordance with the provisions thereof. Respondent acknowledges that this Proposal meets or exceeds all terms, requirements, conditions, and/or specifications set forth in the Request for Proposal and Addenda, and exceptions or deviations from such terms, requirements, conditions, and/or specifications, if any, have been clearly and conspicuously identified as such in the Proposal.

Does your company have ten (10) or more full-time employees? Check one box only.

YES NO

Name of Firm (Respondent)

Signature – Authorized Representative

Printed Name

Date

E-mail Address

Telephone Number

Analyte Proposed Method Reporting Limit/

Minimum Analytical Level Normal TAT Weekend TAT Rush TAT

TOC

DOC (DOC FILTER)

SUVA

UV254

pH

TTHM plus constituents

HAA5

Alkalinity

E. coli

TCLP

Land Application Sludge (see appendix A)

Liquid metals digestion

Total Arsenic

Total Cadmiun

Total Chromium

Total Hexavalent Chromium

Total Barium

Total Manganese

Total Mercury

Total Nickel

Total Silver

Total Zinc

Total Copper

Total Lead

Total Selenium

UCMR 5 Lithium FB

Unit Cost per Analyte

UCMR 5 LFSM

UCMR 5 Lithium LFSM

UCMR 5 EPA 533 EXP LFSM

UCMR 5 EPA 533 EXP LFSMD

UCMR 5 EPA 533 EXP Testing

UCMR 5 EPA 537.1 EXP LFSM

UCMR 5 EPA 537.1 EXP LFSMD

UCMR 5 EPA 537.1 EXP Testing

UCMR 5 EPA 533 EXP DUP

UCMR 5 EPA 533 EXP FB

UCMR 5 EPA 537.1 EXP DUP

UCMR 5 EPA 537.1 EXP FB

UCMR 5 Subcontractor Shipping

UCMR 5 Data Reporting

UCMR 5 Prep Kit

UCMR 5 Pickup/Sampling/Transport

UCMR 5 Rejection Reporting

MPN, E Coli, Total Coliforms

Biochemical Oxygen Demand 5-Day (BOD5)

Sugar Land North Wastewater Treatment Plant

Clute Richwood Wastewater Treatment Plant

East Williamson County Water Treatment Plant

Sandy Creek Water Treatment Plant

Pickup Locations Pick-up/Transportation Fee

CONFLICT OF INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE

For vendor doing business with local governmental entity

FORM CIQ

OFFICE USE ONLY

Date Received

This questionnaire reflects changes made to the law by H.B. 23, 84th Leg., Regular Session.

This questionnaire is being filed in…