Award of RFP for RRD Lab Containers

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued RFP#210000001807 to procure laboratory sample containers for environmental testing applications. The procurement was posted on May 17, 2021, with a June 22, 2021 deadline for proposal submissions, and the award was announced on November 3, 2021. The solicitation sought multiple types of laboratory containers including HDPE bottles ranging from 4 to 32 ounces, Boston round amber glass bottles, Nalgene containers, and specialized TOC vials with estimated annual quantities ranging from 200 to 140,000 units depending on the product type. All containers must be pre-cleaned to EPA standards with specified chemical preservatives such as sodium thiosulfate, sulfuric acid, ascorbic acid, sodium hydroxide, and phosphoric acid, and product labels must completely spell out all preservative names and amounts. Delivery was required within five business days for all items, and pricing had to include all shipping costs. The evaluation process utilized a pass/fail methodology based on compliance with mandatory minimum requirements, with contract award designated for the lowest-priced responsive and responsible bidder. The evaluation committee consisted of representatives from EGLE's Laboratory, Administration, and Finance divisions.

Three vendors submitted proposals: Environmental Sampling Supply, Inc. (North Canton, Ohio), Fisher Scientific Company, LLC (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), and Scientific Specialties Service, Inc. (Hanover, Maryland). Fisher Scientific Company, LLC was deemed non-responsive for failing to submit required sample bottles for testing and was not recommended for award. Environmental Sampling Supply, Inc. and Scientific Specialties Service, Inc. both received passing ratings and were each recommended for award at $225,000, pending State Administrative Board approval. The contract term is three years with up to five one-year renewal options. The catalog sheets indicate that Environmental Sampling Supply's offerings total approximately $128,000 annually across 22 product lines, while Scientific Specialties Service's offerings total approximately $222,850 annually across 11 product lines. Bidders not selected for award were offered debriefing sessions with Solicitation Manager Lisa VanOstran to review the State's rationale for the award decision.