IFB 25-006 Analytical Testing of Pesticides & Narcotics Screening

The California Department of Cannabis Control is soliciting bids through Invitation for Bid (IFB) 25-006 for analytical testing services of pesticides and narcotics screening on cannabis samples across Orange County jurisdictions. The contractor will analyze up to 900 samples over a three-year contract period (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029), consisting of 720 pesticide samples and 180 psychedelic samples derived from raw and dried cannabis flower materials. All analytical results must be delivered via Certificate of Analysis within 21 calendar days of sample receipt. The contractor must possess current ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation and maintain analytical capabilities using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and/or Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) platforms. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bid using a "Best Value" methodology. Critical deadlines include written questions due by March 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM PST, responses to questions due by April 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM, and final bid submission deadline of April 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM, with service commencement expected within 30 days of full contract execution.

The solicitation includes mandatory set-aside requirements for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation of three percent of the total bid cost, with DVBE incentive adjustments applied for evaluation purposes. Bidders must submit detailed cost proposals on provided forms along with required certifications including DVBE declarations, commercially useful function statements, business license documentation, and compliance certifications. The contract requires comprehensive insurance coverage, including commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, workers' compensation insurance, and crime coverage of $2,000,000 for protection of state funds. No incumbent vendor or budget range information is specified in the solicitation documents provided. Interested contractors should note that all analytical work will be performed in Orange County, California, and proposal submissions must include detailed cost proposals demonstrating understanding of the pesticide screening and narcotics analysis requirements outlined in the IFB.