Courier services

DeKalb County Public Health (DKPH) is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP 26-3005-RFP05) to procure courier services for laboratory specimen and pharmaceutical product transportation across six DKPH clinic locations and designated laboratory partners, specifically the Georgia Public Health Laboratory. The scope of work includes collection and transportation of laboratory specimens (blood, urine, stool, swabs), pharmaceutical products including temperature-controlled medications, and prepared slides, with services required Monday through Friday for laboratory items and Monday through Thursday for pharmacy items, with laboratory deliveries due before 1:00 p.m. EST and pharmacy deliveries by 2:00 p.m. EST. Required qualifications include a minimum of three consecutive years of recent experience handling hazardous materials, dry ice, and pharmaceuticals or dangerous drugs; current knowledge of Georgia Department of Public Health transportation regulations; electronic tracking systems with proof of delivery capabilities; criminal background checks and driver's license verification for all employees and subcontractors; a U.S. Department of Transportation number; and adequate vehicle inventory suitable for temperature-controlled transport. The contractor will be fully responsible for 100% reimbursement of any temperature-damaged or compromised pharmaceutical products as determined by the DKPH Pharmacist. Evaluation criteria include approach (30 points), firm qualifications and experience (20 points), key staff qualifications and experience (20 points), and cost proposal (30 points). The mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. EST via Microsoft Teams; questions must be submitted by Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST; and proposals are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. EST via email to DPH-DCBOHpurchasing@dph.ga.gov with the subject line "26RFP05 Courier Services."

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions based on disadvantaged enterprise status, nor does it identify any incumbent vendors or current contractors. Pricing will be structured as a fee-for-service arrangement with no upfront payments or deposits required, with the contractor submitting itemized invoices for services upon completion within one month of service delivery; bidders must submit separate cost proposals detailing both daily/routine courier service rates and on-demand/non-routine service rates for laboratory and pharmacy operations. The solicitation documents do not provide a specific award value or budget range for this procurement. The initial contract term is one year with four additional optional annual renewals, contingent upon satisfactory performance and mutual agreement between parties, and may be terminated by DKPH for convenience with 30 days' notice or immediately for default. Prospective vendors must be registered in the State of Georgia before contract award, though bids may be submitted prior to registration verification. DKPH is exempt from federal excise tax and Georgia sales and use tax, and no tax should be included in bid totals.