IFB P2595018, Cannabis, Pesticide, and Witness Testimony Services

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is conducting an Invitation for Bid (IFB P2595018) for cannabis, pesticide, and expert witness testimony services across multiple California jurisdictions, including Lake Riverside CDP, Marin City CDP, Twin Lakes CDP, Hidden Valley Lake CDP, and Yosemite Lakes CDP. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide comprehensive testing and legal support services for cannabis enforcement investigations, including quantitative THC analysis, pesticide testing on confiscated samples, and expert witness testimony in administrative, criminal, and civil court proceedings. Required services encompass standard and expedited testing with turnaround times ranging from 1 to 5 days, psychoactive compound analysis, heavy metals testing, case material evaluation, report preparation, and courtroom testimony. Contractors must possess Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certification, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accreditation, and have scientific staff with Bachelor's degrees and expert witnesses with Ph.D. credentials in relevant fields. Key procurement dates include a question submission deadline of December 19, 2025, sealed bid due date of December 29, 2025, public bid opening on December 30, 2025, and a proposed award date of January 9, 2026.

The contract includes several business enterprise considerations, with a five percent Small Business preference for California-certified small businesses and an additional up to five percent incentive for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation. Comprehensive insurance requirements are mandatory, including Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), Professional Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Pollution Liability ($1,000,000 each occurrence), and Workers' Compensation coverage. The contract term runs from approval through June 30, 2027, with a potential one-year extension at the same rates. The maximum contract value is set at $49,999.99, with payment made in arrears upon submission of itemized invoices approved by the CDFW Contract Manager. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all IFB requirements, with the State reserving the right to reject all bids if costs are deemed unreasonable or not in the State's best interest. Contractor compensation will be based on unit rates for specific testing services and expert witness fees, though individual rate amounts were not explicitly detailed in the procurement documents.