LEAD TESTING

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Bureau of Water, is seeking proposals for comprehensive lead testing services in public schools and childcare facilities through a Request for Proposal (RFP) under the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIN) Grant. The solicitation covers lead testing for approximately 1,700 licensed childcare facilities and 1,300 public schools statewide, requiring contractors to collect first draw and post-60-second flush samples from water outlets, with a minimum of 8 taps per typical public school. Key deliverables include sample kit preparation, sampling, data collection, documentation, laboratory testing coordination, and permit acquisition. Offerors must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience in lead testing and outreach within the past seven years, with preference for expertise in EPA's 3T's and LCRR/CLRI protocols. The proposal evaluation will be based on technical approach and methodology (25%), completeness and intent of response (15%), offeror experience and knowledge (20%), resource availability (15%), and cost value (25%). Critical dates include a non-mandatory pre-bid conference on March 6, 2024, at 11:30 AM ET via Microsoft Teams, with proposal questions due by March 8, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST, and final proposals due by April 4, 2024, at 2:30 PM ET. Award notification is expected on May 28, 2024.

The contract, funded through Section 1464(d) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, focuses on addressing lead hazards in disadvantaged and underserved communities. DHEC expects to award a single contract not to exceed $850,000 for the initial 12-month contract period, with two potential one-year renewals, bringing the maximum contract term to three years. Pricing must be submitted as an all-inclusive cost per lead sample, incorporating laboratory costs, equipment, overhead, and labor, with no reimbursement for travel expenses. The state has established an action level of 15 ppb (parts per billion) for lead detection, requiring outlet removal until corrective action is implemented. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the solicitation emphasizes collaboration with governmental organizations and knowledge of water quality regulations. Contractors will be responsible for field collection coordination with municipalities, though remediation efforts will be managed by SC DHEC. Post-remediation recollection sampling will be available, and the state will provide contact information for eligible facilities and lists of previously sampled locations.