Microbiological Analysis of Potable Water Samples, Modoc NF

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks microbiological analysis of potable water samples from the Modoc National Forest, with quotations due August 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time and questions due August 6 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time. The procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a small business size standard of $19.0 million.

Place of performance is Alturas, California 96101. The contractor must be certified by the California State Water Board through the ELAP accreditation program and maintain that certification throughout the contract period. All analysis must comply with California Code of Regulations Title 23. The laboratory must be located within two hours driving distance from Alturas and process samples collected and delivered by Forest Service staff within 30 hours of collection, reporting results via email within five business days of delivery (or one business day for coliform-positive results). Coliform-positive results require telephone notification to the primary contact.

The Modoc National Forest manages 22 water systems: seven year-round systems requiring monthly testing and fifteen seasonal systems requiring special start-up samples and monthly testing during operation months. The contract is structured as a firm-fixed price requirements contract with one one-year base period and four one-year option periods, for a maximum five-year term. Contractors must submit pricing for 230 water samples per year across the base year and all four option years, plus a potential six-month extension under FAR 52.217-8. Evaluation applies lowest price technically acceptable criteria, weighting technical acceptability (service delivery capability, identification of unmet requirements, and Project Manager credentials) and past performance as acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable. The Government intends one award. NAICS 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services. Prevailing wage requirements apply per Wage Determination WD 15-5677. The contractor must provide sterile testing bottles and lab slips upon request and submit quotations via email to margaret.forrest@usda.gov.