Bio Safety Cabinets, Laminar Flow Clean Benches, and Chem Fume Hoods

The Rhode Island Department of Health is soliciting proposals for semi-annual inspection, testing, and certification of biological safety cabinets, laminar flow clean benches, and chemical fume hoods at the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories under RFQ26006740, with quotes due July 27, 2026. A minimum 15% minority business enterprise (MBE) participation requirement applies.

The scope covers 29 biological safety cabinets (8 requiring semi-annual certification; 21 requiring annual certification), 2 laminar flow clean benches (annual), and 24 chemical fume hoods (annual), all certified at the RISHL facility during normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). BSC certifications must comply with NSF/ANSI 49-2002 standards and include downflow velocity profiles, inflow velocity tests, airflow smoke pattern analysis, HEPA filter leak tests, cabinet integrity tests, and electrical safety testing. LFCB and CFH certifications must follow IEST-RP-CC002.2 and AIHA/ANSI Z9.5 standards respectively. Vendors must be NSF-accredited Biosafety Cabinet Field Certifiers. Certificates of Operating Performance and detailed test reports must be provided within seven days of completion. Vendors propose hourly rates for inspections and certifications, labor rates for repairs, overtime rates, and percentage discounts on miscellaneous parts; pricing for additional services such as vibration testing, induction leak tests, and airborne particle counts will also be proposed.

The initial contract term is three years beginning approximately August 1, 2026, with options to renew for up to two additional 12-month periods based on vendor performance and fund availability. A contract administrative fee of 0.33% of total annual contract value will be withheld at invoice payment. Vendors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage including general liability ($1 million), workers compensation ($100,000), automobile liability ($1 million), professional liability ($2 million), environmental/pollution liability ($1 million), and umbrella coverage ($1 million). Vendor questions are due July 7, 2026. Vendors must register in the Ocean State Procures (OSP) system prior to electronic submission and complete the Vendor Certification Questionnaire.