2025-004 Methane Gas Detection Instruments and FLIR Camera Training

The California State Department of Conservation has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) 2025-004 for Methane Gas Detection Instruments and FLIR Camera Training, seeking to award a service contract for comprehensive technical training. The procurement encompasses training on specific methane detection instruments including RKI Eagle 2, Heath RMLD CS/GAZOSCAN, and Heath DP-IR, as well as FLIR optical gas imaging camera certification with EPA Method 21 application for oilfield equipment inspection. Training will be delivered through one-day, 2.5-day, and combined 3.5-day courses, with mandatory in-person sessions in Bakersfield and at least one additional location (Long Beach, Ventura, Orcutt, or Sacramento), supplemented by virtual course options. Maximum course capacity is set at 20 attendees per session. Bidders must demonstrate specific qualifications, including Level II or III FLIR optical gas imaging certification, minimum five years of professional methane detection instrument experience, three years of technical training delivery experience, current OSHA certifications, and a recognized Quality Management System like ISO 9001:2015. The bid submission deadline is December 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM, with a public bid opening on December 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM, and a proposed award date of December 24, 2025.

The contract includes provisions for small business, disabled veteran business enterprise, and Target Area Contract Preference Act incentives, with potential preference calculations up to 5 percent. Bidders must submit comprehensive documentation, including certification sheets, references, and compliance documents, with incomplete submissions deemed non-responsive. The total contract value is $120,000, with cost proposals required on a per-attendee basis for each course type and location. The contract performance period spans from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, with training scheduled during standard business hours (8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays). A unique reschedule and cancellation policy provides seven percent reimbursement for Department-initiated cancellations with less than three business days' notice. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the detailed qualification requirements suggest a focus on experienced, specialized training providers with demonstrable expertise in methane detection and FLIR camera technologies.