Forensic Chemistry Quality Assurance Services

The State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services is requesting proposals for Forensic Chemistry Quality Assurance Services to support the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory's Forensic Chemistry Section, with proposals due July 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Bidders must hold current ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation to be eligible.

The scope encompasses remote quality assurance support for up to 40 hours per month, including development and review of standard operating procedures, annual internal audits, ANAB onsite assessment coordination, nonconforming work monitoring, proficiency testing administration, quality records maintenance, method validations, accreditation communications, and training program oversight to maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and ANAB AR 3125 standards. Quality Assurance Staff must hold a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or forensic science with a minimum of six years' analytical laboratory experience, including forensic testing, ISO 17025 accreditation, quality assurance practices, validations, and advanced analytical instrumentation (GC/MS, FTIR, LC-MS/MS); prior supervisory experience is preferred. Deliverables include Internal Audit Reports, Management Review Reports, and Conformance File Reports due annually by April 1, plus Corrective Action Reports, Nonconforming Work Reports, and Improvement Reports submitted as needed.

The initial contract period runs September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2028, with two optional renewal periods through August 31, 2030 and August 31, 2031. The Department anticipates one award. Compensation is a fixed hourly rate. Evaluation allocates 40 points to Organization Qualifications and Experience, 35 points to Proposed Services, and 25 points to Cost, with cost scored mathematically (lowest bid receives 25 points, higher bids proportionally fewer). No best and final offers will be requested. Questions are due July 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The contract requires standard insurance certificates including general and professional liability. Contact Casandra Manson, RFP Coordinator. Proposals must be submitted through the Vendor Self Service System.