Laboratory Analysis Services for Fish Bioassay, IFB I-2526-15

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB I-2526-15) to procure comprehensive laboratory analysis services for fish bioassay toxicity determination to support the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory's contamination investigation and characterization efforts throughout the state. The selected contractor will provide personnel, services, materials, and equipment necessary to conduct fish bioassay screening and definitive analyses on soil, non-aqueous waste, solid waste, liquid waste, and water samples, along with expert witness testimony, percipient witness testimony, and consultation services. Bidders must submit fully loaded unit rates for fish bioassay analyses at three turnaround time levels (15 calendar days, 30 calendar days, and 7 calendar days rush), as well as hourly rates for expert witness testimony, percipient witness testimony, consultation services, and additional laboratory services, with all rates including personnel, equipment, materials, quality control samples, sample cleanup, overhead, and profit. The contractor's laboratory must be located within California and hold current California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) accreditation with Fields of Testing 113 (Environmental Toxicity Methods), and must provide comprehensive documentation including bidder profile information, technical lead experience, quality assurance policies and procedures, accreditation certificates, assessment reports, and sample report examples. The procurement timeline includes a written questions deadline of May 19, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with responses posted May 26, 2026, a final bid submission deadline of June 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, bid opening on June 3, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time in Sacramento, and an anticipated contract performance start date of June 17, 2026. Required insurance coverage includes Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Professional Liability ($2,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate), and Workers' Compensation coverage.

A 5% small business preference (up to $50,000 maximum) is available to certified California small businesses or non-small businesses with 25% subcontractor participation by certified small businesses. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirements have been waived; however, the State requests voluntary DVBE participation reporting. DTSC intends to award one contract for a four-year term with an option for one additional year at the same contracted rates. The initial contract budget is $105,000.00, though this represents a starting figure and actual expenditures may vary based on the scope of services required and the unit rates submitted by successful bidders. No incumbent vendors or existing contractor information has been identified in the solicitation documentation. The evaluation of bids will consider the technical qualifications, experience, quality assurance systems, and pricing competitiveness of respondents in determining the most responsive and responsible bidder.