IFB 40372 Courier Service for District Laboratory

The St. Johns River Water Management District is seeking a courier service through Invitation for Bid (IFB) 40372 to transport water samples across multiple locations in Florida. The primary objective is to procure a licensed Florida-based firm capable of picking up coolers containing water samples from various District facilities, including the Palm Bay Service Center and Apopka Field Station, and delivering them to the District Headquarters Lab in Palatka. The successful contractor will be responsible for scheduled nighttime pickups approximately four times per week (Monday-Thursday), with deliveries required by 6:30 AM the following day, as well as handling unscheduled service runs as needed. Bidders must demonstrate at least seven years of experience delivering environmental water samples, with active service in the past three years, and possess cargo vans or enclosed vehicles registered in Florida. The bid is due by 2:00 p.m. on January 2, 2025, with an initial contract term running from January 2025 through September 30, 2027, and two optional 12-month renewal periods available. Evaluation criteria include experience, pricing structure (per-mile rates and per-run costs), and ability to meet stringent delivery timelines, with potential rate deductions for late deliveries ranging from 25% to 100% depending on arrival time.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The estimated budget for this courier service contract is $65,000, with pricing to be calculated based on an estimated 39,520 yearly miles and 162 runs each for Palm Bay and Apopka locations. The contract includes provisions for quarterly fuel cost adjustments if fuel prices change by more than 15%, providing some financial flexibility for the contractor. No information is provided about incumbent vendors or existing technological infrastructure that might require integration. Bidders will be required to submit comprehensive pricing proposals that account for scheduled services, unscheduled runs, and potential fuel cost variations. The contract represents a significant opportunity for a courier service with specialized experience in transporting environmental water samples, with potential for continued engagement through optional renewal periods.