Genetic Testing

The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #431 for genetic testing services to support paternity determination across California's 58 counties and 53 local child support agencies. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive genetic testing services including specimen collection scheduling, buccal swab sample collection, DNA analysis using Association for Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) standards, expert witness services, and litigation support statewide. The contractor must establish a minimum of four sample collection sites in the Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, and Pleasanton areas accessible by public transportation and provide secure online access to test results within 72 hours of sample collection with final results delivered within 10 calendar days. Key qualifications include a Business Manager with at least five years of management experience (three years managing a genetic testing laboratory), a full-time onsite Laboratory Director with a doctoral degree and five years of high-volume paternity testing experience, and a full-time onsite Laboratory Supervisor with a bachelor's degree in medical technology and three years of supervisory experience in genetic testing. Based on State Fiscal Year 2024/2025 data, approximately 9,265 genetic tests were performed across all LCSAs, though DCSS does not guarantee minimum or maximum test volumes. Critical deadlines include written questions submission by March 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM Pacific Time, bid submission by March 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM, public bid opening on March 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM, notice of intent to award on March 30, 2026, and the protest deadline of April 6, 2026, with a tentative contract start date of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, plus one optional one-year extension.

Small business and disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) preferences apply to this procurement with a maximum combined preference cap of 15 percent. All bidders must comply with federal and state certifications including debarment and suspension, lobbying certifications, Iran Contracting Act compliance, and California civil rights laws certifications, and contractors must undergo background investigation for Federal Tax Information (FTI) access. The contractor will be responsible for all personnel, equipment, supplies, language interpretation services, sample transportation, and compliance with state and federal health regulations, with extensive data security requirements outlined in the contract documents. Pricing for this procurement is based on a fixed rate per sample collected that remains firm and fixed throughout the contract term; no specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the available documents. The contract is subject to state budget appropriations and anticipated federal funding, with monthly statistical reports and invoices required along with specified turnaround time and re-collection rate performance standards. The evaluation criteria emphasize technical qualifications, compliance capabilities, service delivery infrastructure, and pricing competitiveness for this statewide genetic testing services agreement.