Motor Fuels Laboratory Testing and Analysis

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is seeking a qualified ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory to conduct comprehensive motor fuel testing and analysis services in Travis County. The Request for Proposals (RFP No. 452-25-BLC009) requires testing capabilities for up to 700 motor fuel samples annually, with detailed testing requirements for both gasoline and diesel samples. Specific tests include Research Octane Number, Motor Octane Number, Anti-Knock Index, Oxygenate Content, Density, Distillation, Vapor Pressure, Flash Point, Sulfur, Cetane Number, and Visual Water/Sediment assessments. The laboratory must complete sample analysis within 48 hours of receipt and maintain ASTM certifications throughout the contract period. Proposals are due January 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM CZT, with an initial contract term through August 31, 2025, and three potential one-year renewal options. The evaluation criteria includes laboratory requirements (20%), cost (20%), narrative proposal (15%), quality assurance plan (15%), key personnel (10%), Texas sample drop-off locations (10%), financial stability (5%), and references (5%).

The procurement includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan with a 26% goal for services contracts, specifically targeting gas analysis services. Respondents must demonstrate good faith efforts to include Texas certified HUB vendors, with requirements to notify at least three Texas certified HUBs and two trade organizations about subcontracting opportunities. The laboratory must possess specific equipment, including two octane rating engines for gasoline testing and one cetane rating engine for diesel testing. While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, the comprehensive testing requirements and HUB subcontracting provisions suggest a significant contract opportunity. Contractors must provide per-sample pricing that includes collection materials, shipping, storage, and disposal costs, with additional compensation available for expert witness services. The procurement requires contractors to maintain various insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and professional liability, and to comply with state and federal regulations regarding motor fuel testing.