IFB 25-009 Analytical Testing of Pesticides & Narcotics Screening

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is issuing Invitation for Bid (IFB) 25-009 to procure analytical testing services for pesticides and narcotics screening on cannabis flower samples across Orange County and related jurisdictions. The contractor will deliver laboratory testing services for raw and/or dried flowers, specifically analyzing 720 pesticide samples and 180 psychedelic compound samples over a three-year contract period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Required deliverables include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each sample within 21 calendar days of receipt, with services provided during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays). The contractor must maintain current ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation and utilize validated analytical methods including Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Pricing is submitted on a fixed-rate, per-sample basis, with unit costs for psychedelic compound testing and pesticide testing proposed separately across three annual fiscal years. Key deadlines include April 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. PST for written questions, with responses provided by June 1, 2026; bid submission deadline of June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.; and cost proposal opening on June 9, 2026. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder using a "Best Value" methodology.

The procurement includes a mandatory three percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement, with bidders claiming DVBE participation eligible for an incentive adjustment of up to 5 percent or $100,000, whichever is less. Bidders must submit comprehensive documentation including proof of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certification, current business licenses, and various certifications addressing conflict of interest, civil rights compliance, and labor relations. The contractor assumes all liability for property damage and lost or stolen items while in their custody and must maintain insurance coverage including commercial general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), automobile liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), workers' compensation ($1,000,000), and crime coverage ($2,000,000). Subcontracting is limited to $50,000 or 25 percent of the total contract amount, whichever is less, unless competitive bidding documentation is provided. No specific incumbent vendor information or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in the procurement materials. The contract encompasses three fiscal years with identical sample quantities per year (60 psychedelic samples and 240 pesticide samples annually), with total contract value dependent on the unit pricing submitted by bidders across all three service categories and fiscal years.