Laboratory Testing Services

Sarasota County, Florida issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB #262830RM) on March 13, 2026 for laboratory testing services supporting the county's water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste systems, with responses due by April 10, 2026. The procurement seeks laboratory testing capabilities across three categories: Category 1 covering wastewater permit compliance, drinking water permit compliance, water use permit compliance, and basic water quality; and Categories 2 and 3 covering specialized testing services including microbiology, inorganics, nutrients, metals, and solid waste permit compliance testing. The services must be conducted in accordance with Florida Administrative Code chapters and EPA regulations, with sample collection and testing performed at five county facilities including three water reclamation facilities, one water treatment plant, and the Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex. Required bidder qualifications include verifiable references demonstrating prior testing performance and Florida Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Certification Program certifications for all analyte items. The County anticipates an initial three-year contract term and reserves the right to award multiple contracts per category, up to a maximum of two per category, with contract awards going to responsive and responsible bidders submitting the lowest price per category. All pricing must include trip charges, mileage, vehicle charges, travel time, and labor within analyte test fees, with special sampling charged at hourly rates excluding courier services. Sample pickups are required seven days per week at water reclamation facilities and Monday through Friday at potable water facilities, with courier service frequency ranging from 25 to 75 pickups per category depending on the facility and testing category.

No local or American business preferences apply to this bid award due to grant funding requirements. The solicitation documents do not identify any incumbent vendors or current contractors, nor do they specify award values or budget ranges; the estimated usage quantities provided are stated as planning purposes only and do not guarantee actual acquisition amounts. Contractors must comply with County workplace compliance requirements including identification procedures, security clearances, and security protocols. Sample handling and chain of custody procedures are governed by a standardized Chain of Custody Form that establishes procedures for tracking samples from collection through laboratory analysis, with samples maintained at temperatures of 6°C maximum following collection. Bidders are required to submit responses through the OpenGov Procurement portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/scgov, and all inquiries regarding the solicitation should be submitted through the OpenGov Procurement Q&A portal. There is no fee to participate in Sarasota County solicitations, and additional procurement information and contract templates are available at https://www.scgov.net/government/procurement/contract-templates.