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) ambient air sample analysis services through Richland County. The procurement seeks a laboratory contractor to conduct comprehensive ambient air sample analyses using EPA Method TO-15/15A, with a minimum requirement of 24 samples during the first 12-month contract period. The successful contractor must provide clean 6-liter spherical sample canisters compatible with specific VOC samplers, perform detailed analytical testing, and deliver comprehensive reports including quality control documentation and chain-of-custody forms. Key qualifications include demonstrating prior experience analyzing at least 600 samples using EPA Compendium Method TO-15 through a previous governmental contract, maintaining a fully operational facility meeting EPA Technical Assistance Document requirements, and possessing a DHEC-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan. The solicitation requires analytical results to be reported within 45 days of sample receipt, with a strict prohibition on subcontracting analysis work. Critical dates include a July 6, 2021 deadline for questions, a July 22, 2021 proposal submission deadline at 2:30 PM ET, and an anticipated award notification on July 26, 2021, with a contract start date of August 4, 2021.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were identified in the solicitation. The contract term is structured for one year with an option for a mutual one-year renewal, potentially extending the contract to a maximum of two years. Contractors must submit pricing as an all-inclusive fixed price per test, with a required detailed cost breakdown for analysis, shipping, and data submittal. Monthly invoicing is permitted, with final reports required to accompany each invoice. While no specific budget range was explicitly stated, the contractor must provide evidence of successful EPA NATTS Proficiency Test results from the last five years and be prepared for potential in-house audits by DHEC. The solicitation indicates that all shipping costs for canisters and flow controllers to and from the laboratory are to be included in the pricing. No incumbent contractors were mentioned, and no specific funding sources were identified in the document.