ETHYLENE OXIDE (EtO) SAMPLE ANALYSIS

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for ethylene oxide (EtO) sample analysis services using EPA Method TO-15/15A, covering two distinct lots within Richland County. Lot 1 encompasses analysis of approximately 130 samples annually for the National Air Toxics Trends Stations (NATTS) site, with a potential five-year contract structure including an initial one-year term and four one-year renewal options. Lot 2 involves analyzing approximately 320 samples over a 12-month period for the South Carolina Community Scale Grant award. Bidders may submit proposals for one or both lots, with mandatory requirements including submission of a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) 30 days prior to bid closing, EPA NATTS program proficiency test results from the last five years, and documented experience analyzing at least 600 volatile organic compound samples. The solicitation was issued on February 3, 2021, with a submission deadline of March 9, 2021 at 2:30 PM ET, and questions from offerors must be received by February 18, 2021 at 5:00 PM ET. Award notifications are scheduled for March 11, 2021, with online submission through the South Carolina Enterprise Information System (SCEIS) being the preferred method.

The procurement allows for potential South Carolina resident vendor and resident contractor preferences if specific criteria are met. Contractors must provide cleaned and certified sample canisters, conduct sample analysis, generate quality control documentation, and complete chain-of-custody forms, with a strict prohibition on subcontracting any analytical work. The selected vendor will be required to deliver canisters to DHEC's Division of Air Quality Analysis in Columbia and submit monthly invoices for analyzed samples, with result reporting mandated within 45 days of sample receipt. Award determination will be based on the lowest priced responsive and responsible offeror, with the State reserving the right to award Lot 1 only, Lot 2 only, both lots, or neither lot. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the scope suggests a multi-year contract with potential annual values tied to the number of samples processed across the two lots. The solicitation emphasizes technical competence and analytical precision in environmental sample testing, particularly focusing on volatile organic compound analysis using specialized EPA-approved methodologies.