Lead Dust Sampling Materials & Analysis

The City of Pittsburgh Office of Management and Budget, acting on behalf of the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections, is soliciting proposals for lead dust sampling materials and analysis services. The procurement seeks an EPA-accredited laboratory recognized by the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) to provide lead in dust analysis for samples collected during lead safety and mitigation efforts in rental properties and child care facilities. The selected laboratory must be capable of analyzing approximately 500 dust wipe samples per week, with services scheduled to commence in early 2026. Key requirements include maintaining NLLAP accreditation, demonstrating expertise in lead testing across multiple sample matrices, and adhering to comprehensive quality management systems. The Request for Proposal (RFP) was released on December 4, 2025, with written questions due by December 19, 2025, and proposals due on January 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM through the City's e-Procurement Portal. Proposals will be evaluated across five key areas: firm qualifications (15 points), project team qualifications (15 points), project approach and plan (30 points), cost proposal (30 points), and MWDBE/veteran-owned business participation (10 points).

The City has established specific participation goals for minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MBE/WBE), veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB), and LGBTQIA+ businesses, with targets of 18% for MBE, 7% for WBE, 5% for veteran-owned businesses, and 3% for LGBTQIA+ businesses. Respondents must complete and submit several required forms, including the EORC Participation Form, Vendor Contact Sheet, Vendor Registration Form, and W-9 documentation. The contract will have a three-year term, though the City reserves the right to reject all proposals and is not obligated to award the contract. While no specific contract value is mentioned, the anticipated sampling volume of 500 wipes per week suggests a potentially significant annual contract. Successful bidders must comply with prevailing wage ordinances and equal employment opportunity requirements. The procurement is directly linked to Pittsburgh's December 2021 lead safety ordinance, which aims to address the city's public health concerns, particularly the disproportionate impact of lead exposure on children of color in Allegheny County.