DOTD Lab Accreditation Assessment

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has issued a bid solicitation (RFx No. 3000025170) for a laboratory accreditation assessment contract covering ten district laboratories and one Independent Assurance (IA) Laboratory. The primary objective is to conduct AASHTO R18 Laboratory Accreditation Assessments as mandated by the Federal Highway Administration, with the contract spanning an initial twelve-month period beginning 09/01/2025 and potential extensions for two additional twelve-month periods, not exceeding a total of 36 months. The successful contractor must be a nationally recognized accrediting body capable of providing comprehensive accreditation assessments and producing nationally recognized accreditation documentation. Specific deliverables include individual assessments for Districts 02, 03, 04, 05, 07, 08, 58, 61, 62, and the Independent Assurance Laboratory, with the contractor responsible for supplying all necessary proficiency samples to properly accredit each laboratory. Bids must be submitted via email to alice.smith@la.gov by 07/21/2025 at 11:59 PM CST, with the RFx number included in the subject line. The jurisdictions involved in this procurement include Caddo Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Jefferson Parish, Lafayette Parish, and Orleans Parish.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for specific types of organizations. Contractors must be registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State and comply with civil rights laws. Insurance requirements are stringent, mandating comprehensive coverage including Workers Compensation ($1,000,000 per accident), Commercial General Liability ($2,000,000 annual aggregate), and Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit). Insurers must be legally authorized to do business in Louisiana and maintain an A.M. Best rating of A-VI or higher. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the contract involves multiple laboratory assessments across different districts, suggesting a potentially significant procurement value. The document includes provisions for contract cancellation and renewal, with the state reserving the right to suspend or terminate the contract if insurance requirements are not maintained. Interested contractors must carefully review the detailed testing methodologies outlined in the Laboratory Accreditation Chart of Test Methods, which specifies comprehensive testing protocols for aggregate and hot mix asphalt materials.