IFB 10198958 ichthyoplankton and drift invertebrate identification services.

The state of California, through the Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Integrated Science and Engineering (DISE), is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for ichthyoplankton and drift invertebrate identification services. The Contractor will be responsible for providing taxonomic identification of these samples collected from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta over a 3-year period. Key requirements include proper sample handling, taxonomic identification to the lowest level possible, life-stage determination, measurements, and photographic documentation. Samples must be processed and data returned to DWR within 90 days of receipt. The anticipated start date of the agreement is October 2024, and bidders must meet minimum qualifications related to educational background and relevant experience in analyzing estuarine invertebrate and ichthyoplankton samples.

The DVBE program requirements have been waived for this solicitation, but DVBE participation will be incentivized. Small business preferences are also available. The bid price per sample is to be provided for both invertebrate and ichthyoplankton, with the total contract amount determined by the estimated number of samples per year. No questions were submitted during the Q&A period, and there is no information provided about any incumbent vendors or the current competitive environment for this service. The total contract value is not specified in the available documents.