25-64008: Cremation Services

The California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) Number 25-64008-000 for comprehensive cremation services at the DSH-Coalinga facility. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide all necessary labor, tools, materials, and services for cremating deceased patients, including body removal, cremation processing, ashes management, and associated documentation. Bidders must hold valid California funeral establishment, funeral director, cremated remains disposer, and crematory licenses, and be located within 120 miles of the DSH-Coalinga facility. Key procurement dates include a bid submission deadline of June 6, 2025, a public bid opening on June 9, 2025, and an anticipated contract start date of July 1, 2025. Evaluation criteria will likely include compliance with licensing requirements, service capabilities, references from similar service providers, and ability to meet extensive regulatory and administrative obligations outlined in California Health & Safety Code and Business and Professions Code.

The solicitation includes provisions for small business and disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) preferences, with potential bid adjustments of up to 5%. Contractors must meet comprehensive insurance requirements, including commercial general liability, pollution/environmental impairment liability, motor vehicle liability, and workers' compensation coverage. The contract has a maximum value of $300,000 and is structured for a three-year term from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Bidders are required to submit three references from similar service providers and demonstrate compliance with state regulations, including background check protocols, confidentiality agreements, and data security standards. Additional requirements include providing approved body containers, managing cremation documentation, and completing death certificates as part of the service offering. The procurement appears targeted at specialized cremation service providers with specific regional and regulatory qualifications.