DEP-BWR-DWM-RFR-2026-WPP-SLTS-MSA

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is conducting a pre-qualification procurement for specialized environmental laboratory services through the Watershed Planning Program (WPP). The solicitation, identified as DEP-BWR-DWM-RFR-2026-WPP-SLTS-MSA, seeks to establish a pool of multiple qualified contractors to perform advanced chemical and biological laboratory analyses on environmental samples. Specific services will include chemical and biological analysis of water, sediments, and biological tissue samples, biological identification and enumeration of aquatic organisms, and calibration services. Prospective contractors must create a COMMBUYS account and ensure their commodity codes align with the procurement requirements. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Intent to Post Notice indicates the full Request for Response (RFR) will be detailed in the "Environmental and Analytical Laboratory Services" document, with bidders instructed to monitor COMMBUYS for the complete solicitation and potential amendments. The contract opportunity was posted on June 5, 2025, with a response deadline of July 31, 2025, and bidders are explicitly advised against direct contact with MassDEP.

The procurement appears to have strong emphasis on supplier diversity, with the Commonwealth's standard Request for Response documents highlighting the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP), which requires bidders to commit to spending at least 1% of contract sales with diverse business enterprises. Minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and other certified diverse businesses are specifically encouraged to participate, with evaluation criteria allocating at least 25% of points to diversity partnership plans. Small Massachusetts-based businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees and gross revenues under $15 million may receive preferential consideration. While specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the pre-qualification approach suggests multiple vendors may be selected for future task orders. Contractors will need to complete various mandatory forms, including the Standard Contract Form, Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization, Prompt Pay Discount Form, and provide comprehensive business references and environmental preferable practices documentation to be considered for the procurement.