Drinking Water Sampling and Analysis Contract

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking a contractor to perform comprehensive drinking water sampling and analysis services for MDOT facilities in the Grand Region, covering 13 counties including Kent, Montcalm, Allegan, Ottawa, and others. The Request for Proposal (RFP) requires a qualified laboratory to conduct monthly and quarterly water testing at various rest areas and roadside parks, with specific requirements for coliform bacteria and nitrate/nitrate testing. The contract period spans from October 1, 2025, to September 31, 2028, with a potential two-year mutual renewal option. Contractors must provide 588 scheduled bacteria tests, 51 scheduled nitrate/nitrate tests, unscheduled repeat sampling, and annual wastewater sampling of three lagoon ponds. The selected laboratory must be currently certified by the state of Michigan for drinking water and wastewater testing, capable of providing sample analysis results within 24-48 hours, and maintaining sample records for three years. The RFP was issued on August 15, 2025, with a proposal deadline of August 29, 2025, and an anticipated contract start date of October 1, 2025. Bidders must follow specific sampling protocols, comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act, and adhere to all regulatory requirements for sample collection, analysis, and reporting.

The RFP does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The documentation does not provide information about incumbent vendors or current contractors. The pricing structure requires contractors to submit a detailed pricing schedule that includes all expenses such as travel, sampling, and analysis. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract includes four primary bid items: scheduled bacteria testing, scheduled nitrate/nitrate testing, unscheduled repeat sampling, and annual wastewater sampling. The geographical scope covers MDOT facilities in both the northern and southern Grand Region, with locations strategically positioned along major highways in Michigan's lower peninsula. Sampling must be conducted during normal business hours (7am-5pm), with emergency sampling requiring immediate performance. The contractor must demonstrate the ability to follow the Drinking Water Sampling and Analysis LSS document and meet all technical specifications outlined in the RFP, including taking pre-opening coliform samples a minimum of 24 hours apart and providing comprehensive documentation of all testing procedures and results.