Emissions Testing of non-PFOS

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 15TTD006) for emissions testing of non-PFOS fume suppressants used in chrome plating applications. The primary objective is to conduct four comprehensive tests determining chrome emissions from plating tanks under continuous and intermittent testing conditions, following SCAQMD Rule 1469 technical guidance procedures. Contractors must meet stringent minimum qualifications, including having a Lead Consultant with at least 10 years of source testing experience, being listed on ARB's or SCAQMD's approved contractor/laboratory lists, and demonstrating analytical laboratory capabilities with a limit of quantitation of 0.2 ng/ml for Cr6+. The procurement requires prior experience conducting fume suppressant tests under California's certification program that meet the 0.01 mg/amp-hour requirement. Critical procurement dates include a bid submission deadline of February 17, 2016, at 3:00 PM, with written questions due by February 2, 2016, and agency responses to be posted by February 8, 2016. The contract is anticipated to start on February 26, 2016, and conclude by March 31, 2018.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, mandating commercial general liability, automobile liability, workers compensation, and environmental/pollution liability coverage. The total budget for this project is capped at $25,000, indicating a relatively modest procurement opportunity focused on specialized emissions testing services. No information is provided about incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure that would require integration. Potential bidders must demonstrate technical expertise in emissions testing, specifically within the chrome plating industry, and possess the necessary laboratory and field testing capabilities to meet the ARB's rigorous technical specifications. The contract appears designed to support California's ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate environmental impacts from industrial chrome plating processes by evaluating non-PFOS fume suppressant technologies.