verified_taxa_list.xlsx

The file "verified_taxa_list.xlsx" is a comprehensive taxonomic inventory compiled by the Tennessee Department of Health Division of Laboratory Services (TDH-DLS) for a macroinvertebrate genus level analysis contract. The Request for Proposal (RFx) seeks up to eight vendors to provide scientific services for identifying genus-level biota in water samples, with a total of 1,593 Kick/Bank Samples for Semiquantitative Macroinvertebrate Genus identification, along with 160 samples each for Sorting QA/QC and Taxonomic QA/QC. The contract is structured as a multi-year agreement spanning three years with two optional one-year renewals, potentially lasting 60 months. The proposal is due by June 25, 2025, with an anticipated contract start date of July 2, 2025, and all samples to be shipped to Laboratory Services in Nashville, Tennessee.

The procurement emphasizes vendor qualifications, requiring at least one staff member to hold taxonomic certification from the Society of Freshwater Science and limiting staffing to US-based resources. The contract will be awarded using a multi-vendor, lowest-cost methodology, with vendors ranked by proposed cost and sample allocation following a cascading distribution method. The solicitation encourages diversity business participation, specifically seeking engagement with minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, disabled-owned, and small business enterprises. Vendors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage and meet specific state requirements, including Tennessee Department of Revenue registration and prohibition of illegal immigrants. While precise award values are not explicitly stated, the contract involves processing an estimated 531 samples annually, with vendors responsible for all shipping and handling charges.