25-0144: Water Testing and Water System Maintenance at Hornbrook and Alturas Border Stations (Siskiyou and Modoc County)

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB 25-0144) for water testing and water system maintenance services at two border protection stations in Siskiyou and Modoc counties. The selected contractor will provide comprehensive water testing services at the Hornbrook station (14601 North Interstate 5, Hornbrook, CA 96044) and the Alturas station (26297 Highway 395, Alturas, CA 96101) over a three-year contract period from March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2029, with no renewal options. Primary deliverables include monthly water sample collection from both facilities, completion of laboratory analyses, and submission of comprehensive results reports to station managers. The contractor must submit all costs as all-inclusive rates covering labor, equipment, parts, materials, tools, licenses, permits, supervision, inspection, insurance, transportation, travel, and per diem expenses. Written questions must be submitted by January 26, 2026, with answers posted by February 4, 2026. Sealed emailed bids must be received by 2:00 PM PT on February 17, 2026, with cost proposal opening occurring the same day, and notice of proposed award to be provided within five business days. Prospective bidders may observe the virtual bid opening by contacting the CDFA Contracts Unit at CDFA.Contracts@cdfa.ca.gov.

The contract includes a mandatory Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goal set at 3% of total bid cost, with failure to meet this requirement resulting in bid rejection. Small Business certified bidders are eligible for a 5% bid preference consideration. Contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability coverage of $1,000,000, and workers' compensation insurance with $1,000,000 employer's liability limits. All work must receive prior approval from the station manager before commencement and upon completion, and the contract is subject to California's General Terms and Conditions. Travel costs will be reimbursed at rates established by the California Department of Human Resources. No incumbent vendors or budget range is specified in the available documentation; however, bidders should structure their cost proposals using the provided template with separate submissions for each of the three contract years, detailing unit rates for sample collection, testing services, and reporting activities.