Microbial Source Tracking for Human (HF183), Avian(GFD) and Gull (GULL2) Genetic Markers by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Assays Services as required for Water Resources Division

The City of Santa Monica's Water Resources Division is issuing an Invitation to Bid for Microbial Source Tracking (MST) laboratory analysis services to be performed by a United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) approved laboratory. The procurement requires the selected laboratory to analyze water samples collected from the Santa Monica Pier area for Human (HF183), Avian (GFD), and Gull (GULL2) genetic markers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to determine bacterial loads. The scope of services includes providing a complete sampling kit with all necessary equipment, reagents, coolers, bottles, pumps, sample labels, and shipping labels; receiving samples within 24 hours of shipment or pickup; delivering provisional results within three weeks of sample receipt; and providing comprehensive quality assurance/quality control reporting detailing the presence or absence of genetic markers and bacterial concentration levels. Minimum vendor requirements include current USEPA laboratory approval certification and a minimum of five years of experience performing similar work, with bidders required to submit pricing for five line items: qPCR filter sample analysis, additional assays, sample kits, shipping services (if applicable), and sample pickup services (if applicable). The evaluation criteria include price, quality of services, bidder capacity and skill, financial resources, character and reputation, and ability to provide future maintenance or service. The bid release date is May 8, 2026, with a question submission deadline of May 26, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time; responses to questions will be posted by June 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time; and sealed bid submissions must be received electronically through the City's e-Procurement Portal (OpenGov) by June 9, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with payment terms of net 30 days from invoice receipt.

No set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise restrictions are identified in the procurement documents; however, all successful bidders must comply with the City's Living Wage Ordinance if the contract value exceeds $54,200, requiring a minimum wage of $22.50 per hour, and must obtain a City of Santa Monica Business License prior to contract execution if physically located in or conducting business within the City. The City requires all contractors to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence with a $2,000,000 general aggregate, Automobile Liability of at least $1,000,000 per accident, Workers' Compensation as required by California, and Professional Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence with a $2,000,000 annual aggregate, with the City named as an additional insured on all applicable policies. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documents, and no specific budget range or award value is stated; however, the contract includes renewal options for four additional one-year periods at the same price, terms, and conditions. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids and is not restricted to selecting the lowest monetary bidder, providing flexibility in award decisions based on overall value and capability to meet the specialized technical requirements of EPA-approved laboratory services.