IFB 10217692 - Phytoplankton Analysis Services

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is issuing Invitation for Bid (IFB) 10217692 for phytoplankton identification, enumeration, and measurement services to support Water Right Decision 1641 monitoring requirements and special studies. The contractor will provide comprehensive phytoplankton analysis services including strip/transect count methods, field count methods using the Utermohl microscopic method, taxonomic identification to the lowest possible level, photographic documentation of taxa, and veliger plankton identification for invasive species detection. Key deliverables include analysis of an estimated 352 samples and 20 mounts annually, with all data and processed samples returned to DWR within 90 days of sample receipt. Required qualifications include a phytoplankton analyst with either a B.S. in biological sciences plus at least five years of phytoplankton analysis experience, or an M.S./Ph.D. in a relevant field with demonstrated familiarity with species found in the Upper Estuary of the San Francisco Bay-Delta System. Bidders must submit three professional references, detailed chain of custody samples, and documentation of three-year availability. Technical questions must be submitted by April 20, 2026 at 3:00 PM with responses provided by April 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Sealed bids are due May 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM, with public bid opening on May 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. The anticipated contract start date is August 2026 for a three-year term with no renewal options, and award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder meeting all specifications.

The procurement offers preference designations for certified small businesses, which receive a five percent calculation preference in bid evaluation, and for non-small businesses that subcontract at least 25 percent of work to certified small businesses. The DVBE Incentive Program provides additional incentive calculations with a minimum three percent participation commitment for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises. The contractor must maintain commercial general liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate and comply with all state standard contract terms and conditions regarding confidential information protection and DVBE subcontractor reporting requirements. Pricing is submitted on a per-sample and per-mount basis with estimated costs provided for all three years of the contract term. While specific budget or award values are not disclosed in the procurement documents, proposers must complete a comprehensive Cost Worksheet Template that itemizes labor costs by personnel classification, subcontractor costs, indirect costs including overhead and fringe benefits, and direct costs such as travel, equipment, and supplies, with all subcontractor percentages reconciled across the Bidder Declaration form and General Cost Summary Worksheet.