Forensic Toxicology Testing Services

Solano County is seeking a forensic toxicology testing services contractor through a Request for Proposals (RFP) to support the Sheriff-Coroner's Office in conducting comprehensive toxicological analyses. The contractor will be responsible for screening bodily fluids and tissues from decedents to detect drugs, medications, toxic substances, alcohol, carbon monoxide, cyanide, and histamine, with capabilities for both qualitative and quantitative testing across multiple drug panels. Proposers must have a minimum of five years of continuous experience in forensic toxicology testing, current accreditation from the American Board of Forensic Toxicology specifically covering post-mortem and human performance toxicology, and all required California business licenses. The RFP requires strict chain-of-custody procedures, appropriate specimen preservation and storage, and laboratory report turnaround times ranging from five to twenty calendar days depending on the specific test. Proposals are due January 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. via the OpenGov Solano County Portal, with a question submission deadline of December 22, 2025, and county responses provided by January 6, 2026. The evaluation criteria will weight general qualifications and experience at 40 percent, scope of work at 40 percent, and budget and cost at 20 percent.

The contract is intended for a single vendor, with no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational type mentioned in the documentation. The County plans to award one three-year contract with an estimated maximum value of $295,000, with the option to extend for two additional one-year terms, potentially reaching a total five-year contract period. The funding is contingent on State budget approval and annual appropriations by the County's Board of Supervisors, with immediate termination rights if funding is not secured. The successful contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Errors and Omissions insurance of at least $1,000,000 and Professional Malpractice insurance with similar coverage limits. Additional requirements include implementing a drug-free workplace, conducting pre-employment background checks, maintaining HIPAA compliance, and adhering to strict confidentiality standards. The contractor selection date is February 10, 2026, with a desired contract start date of July 1, 2026, and the contract will cover toxicology testing services for Trinity County and potentially other jurisdictions within Solano County.