GROUNDWATER SAMPLING

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Underground Storage Tank (UST) Management Division, is procuring groundwater sampling services for petroleum release sites throughout the state via an Invitation for Bid (IFB). The contract seeks two contractors to conduct comprehensive environmental investigations, including sampling of monitoring wells, public and private potable wells, surface water features, and air samples, with site-specific work plans (SSWPs) provided for each location. Contractors must be South Carolina Certified UST Site Rehabilitation Contractors and are required to accept a minimum of 24 SSWP requests monthly, submit SSWPs within 20 days of request, and perform sampling within 30 days of SSWP approval. The procurement requires contractors to complete detailed environmental procedures, including volumetric groundwater purging, water supply sampling, various sampling methodologies, report preparation, and mapping services. Key deadlines include a bid submission deadline of June 3, 2021, at 2:30 PM ET, with a non-mandatory pre-bid conference held on May 13, 2021, at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. The contract term is one year with two one-year renewal options, potentially spanning a maximum of three years from June 14, 2021, to June 13, 2024.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged businesses. Contractors must meet specific qualifications, including maintaining Commercial General Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, Auto Liability of $1,000,000 per accident, and Worker's Compensation with statutory limits. All environmental reports must be signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist registered in South Carolina. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the bid schedule includes unit costs for numerous sampling and reporting activities, suggesting a comprehensive and potentially substantial contract value. The procurement will award contracts to the two lowest responsive and responsible bidders, with the lowest bidder designated as the principal contractor and the next lowest as the secondary contractor. Late fees of $25 per day (not exceeding 20% of the total agreement cost) will be applied for missed deadlines. All activities will be funded by the UST Management Division, with a laboratory contractor providing sample containers and covering sample shipment costs.