Lab Analytical Services; IFB 25-0045

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking a laboratory contractor to provide specialized analytical services for Bacillus thuringiensis, subsp. Kurstaki (Btk) testing through Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 25-0045. The contract will run from August 8, 2025, through July 31, 2026, with no renewal options. Contractors will be responsible for analyzing various sample types including air, vegetation, water, soil, sediment, pesticide formulation, and tank mix samples, with a specific focus on determining Btk concentration in "Dipel Pro DF" and "Thuricide Bt" products. Key procurement dates include a bid release on May 23, 2025, with written questions due by June 9, 2025, and completed emailed bids required by June 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM PT. The contractor must operate under federal Good Laboratory Practice standards, develop standard operating procedures, and provide comprehensive documentation and reporting of analytical results within specified timeframes. Evaluation will likely consider technical capabilities, laboratory accreditation, adherence to protocols, and pricing across four primary service categories: Common qPCR assay development, Direct Isolation Method, Enrichment by culture method, and Routine Testing.

The procurement includes specific set-aside requirements, mandating three percent (3%) Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation and offering a potential five percent bid preference for qualified small businesses. Bidders must submit detailed documentation including Bidder Declaration, DVBE Participation Declarations, and proof of business standing. Insurance requirements are substantial, including commercial general liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability, and workers' compensation coverage. The contractor must supply all necessary equipment, materials, and labor, with associated costs such as transportation, tools, permits, licenses, sales tax, and freight charges incorporated into unit pricing. While specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of required services and multiple analytical methodologies suggest a potentially significant financial commitment. Failure to indicate dollar amounts for line items may result in bid rejection, and zero-dollar entries will be interpreted as the bidder agreeing to perform those services at no cost to the state.