1711-26-R-RFIN-00014-V01

The Mississippi Forensic Laboratory is seeking consulting services for the implementation and validation of LC-MS/MS confirmation methods for drug measurement in blood samples, under sole-source procurement 1711-26-R-RFIN-00014, with a question or proposal due date of July 13, 2026. This is a sole-source engagement — only one vendor has been determined to possess the specialized expertise required to meet the laboratory's specific forensic requirements.

The scope encompasses discovery, method research and development, suitability assessment and instrument optimization for two Agilent 6475 systems, method validation, data processing and reporting, laboratory training, and documentation. Services are delivered both remotely and onsite at the Mississippi Forensic Laboratory facility in Pearl, Mississippi. All methods must meet ASB/ANSI Standard 036 and MSFL requirements. The awardee must hold ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for the applications research and method development work.

The contract value is $79,260, comprised of a $33,500 validation reagent package and itemized task fees ranging from zero for discovery and consultation to $16,000 per instrument for method validation work. Consultant travel costs are included. Compensation is structured by task completion and invoiced monthly, with payment due within forty-five days of invoice approval. The contract term runs from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. Services outside the defined scope are subject to a $200 per hour change fee, with no additional charges without prior written approval.

The independent contractor must carry comprehensive general liability or professional liability insurance with minimum limits of $1 million per occurrence and maintain sole responsibility for employee benefits and workers' compensation insurance. The contract is subject to approval by the Public Procurement Review Board and the Department of Finance and Administration Office of Personal Service Contract Review, and funding is contingent upon state legislative appropriation.