Invitation For Bid (IFB) 26-10033 Sample Lead Testing

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Environmental Health Laboratory Branch, is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) 26-10033 for analytical testing services to support childhood lead poisoning investigations. The CDPH seeks a single qualified contractor to provide total lead content analysis for paint chips, soil samples, dust wipe samples, and drinking water samples using industry-recognized methods including EPA SW 846 methods for paint chips and soil, NIOSH methods for dust wipes, and EPA methods for drinking water. Key deliverables include providing testing results within five business days of sample receipt, supplying monthly sample collection materials and pre-printed waybills, and maintaining National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) accreditation through either the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) or American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). Required qualifications include a minimum of three years of environmental lead testing experience within the past five years and achievement of specific reporting limits for sample analysis. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on competitive sealed bidding, with pricing structured on a per-test basis for each material category. Critical deadlines include February 17, 2026, for submission of questions, February 24, 2026, for posting of the Question/Answer Summary, March 3, 2026, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time for bid submission, and March 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM for bid opening, with a Notice of Intent to Award anticipated by March 6, 2026. Bidders must submit three sealed copies of their proposals to the Centralized Contract Services Unit at 1616 Capitol Avenue, MS 1802, Sacramento, CA 95814. The contract term runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with the potential for a one-year extension at the same rates.

This procurement includes mandatory set-aside requirements and preference provisions that restrict eligible bidders. All bids must demonstrate a minimum 3 percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation from either a DVBE-certified prime contractor or qualified subcontractor, with bids failing to meet this requirement deemed non-responsive and ineligible for award. Bidders may claim additional preferences by committing to a 5 percent California Certified Small Business preference or a 5 percent non-small business subcontractor preference contingent upon achieving 25 percent participation with California-certified small businesses. The procurement includes baseline per-test pricing guidance of $2,000 for paint chip testing, $5,000 for soil testing, $6,300 for dust testing, and $9,500 for water testing, though bidders may propose alternative rates. The maximum contract budget is $215,000 for the three-year term, and any bids exceeding this amount will be deemed non-responsive and ineligible for consideration. Reimbursement is limited to actual services performed and invoiced. All bid responses become public documents subject to public inspection upon award, and bidders must provide certifications, business licensing documentation, proof of insurance, references, and DVBE declarations as required attachments to their proposals.