Analytical Laboratory Services

The City of Sarasota, Florida is soliciting bids through Invitation to Bid (ITB) #26-13JS for analytical laboratory services to support comprehensive water quality compliance testing operations. The procurement encompasses compliance testing for industrial wastewater, drinking water, reagent water, groundwater, municipal wastewater, treated effluent discharged to surface waters, and reclaimed water, with all analyses required to comply with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Florida Department of Health (FDOH), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The selected vendor(s) will serve as primary and secondary providers and must deliver analyses across nine major sections with sampling frequencies ranging from monthly to biannual, while maintaining appropriate quality assurance, quality control, and chain of custody procedures. Deliverables include vendor provision of sample containers with preservatives, coolers, seven-days-a-week transportation services including holidays, and timely delivery of analyses within specified turnaround requirements. Required qualifications include FDOH certification, maintenance of a Quality Assurance Manual, capability to provide emergency pickup services, Worker's Compensation and Commercial General Liability insurance with the City listed as additional insured, and Florida Division of Corporations registration. The vendor must submit notarized affidavits addressing non-collusion, public entity crimes compliance, E-Verify participation, and prohibition on contracting with foreign countries of concern, along with references and emergency service continuity plans. Evaluation will be based on lowest responsive and responsible bidder status, with preference given to vendors with drug-free workplace programs in tie-bid situations; failure to meet turnaround deadlines results in a 10 percent price reduction per set for every two consecutive days late. Questions must be submitted by April 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., with bids due May 7, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., and the initial contract term is three years with two optional one-year renewal periods.

This procurement contains no identified set-aside designations or restrictions limiting eligible respondents to disadvantaged enterprises or specific organizational types; however, vendors must demonstrate compliance with standard public procurement requirements including non-collusion and public entity crimes attestations. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation documentation, nor are there specific technology or infrastructure integration requirements outlined. All pricing must be submitted on the City's provided forms, with unit prices considered all-inclusive of materials, delivery, labor, taxes, overhead, and profit, meaning the vendor bears all costs for sample container provision, transportation, and emergency services continuity. The solicitation does not specify an explicit budget range or award value; however, pricing submissions will be evaluated competitively as the determining factor for award. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder(s) capable of meeting all technical and compliance requirements throughout the three-year initial term.