IFB P2595018, Cannabis, Pesticide, and Witness Testimony Services

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive cannabis, pesticide, and expert witness testimony services through Invitation for Bid (IFB) P2595018. The primary objectives include quantitative tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) analysis of confiscated cannabis samples, pesticide analysis to identify illicit substances used in cannabis cultivation, and expert testimony for criminal prosecutions. Required services encompass testing for cannabinoid/THC content, psychoactive compounds, pesticide quantification, and heavy metals testing, with estimated quantities of approximately 100 samples per testing category and 25 expert witness service tasks. Contractors must possess Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certification and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accreditation, with testing staff required to hold a Bachelor's degree in Science and expert witness staff mandated to have a Ph.D. in an applicable field. The solicitation timeline includes a question submission deadline of November 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM (PT), bid submissions due December 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM (PT), bid opening on December 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM (PT), and a proposed award date of December 19, 2025.

The contract includes specific provisions for small business participation, with a five percent Small Business Preference for California-certified small businesses and a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive of up to five percent for qualified participants. The maximum contract budget is set at $49,999.99, with a contract term extending from CDFW approval through June 30, 2027, and an option for one additional one-year extension. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), Professional Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 aggregate), Pollution Liability ($1,000,000 each occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), and Workers' Compensation with $1,000,000 limits. The contract will support CDFW's Cannabis Enforcement Program, requiring contractors to analyze samples for pesticides listed in California Code of Regulations and provide expert testimony in administrative, criminal, or civil court proceedings with at least fourteen calendar days' advance notice. All invoicing will be conducted on an arrears basis, with detailed itemization submitted to the contract manager.