Texas Beach Watch Sample Collection and Analysis

The Texas General Land Office has issued Invitation for Bids (IFB) No. 7643-LP for water sample collection and analysis services under the Texas Beach Watch Program across Brazoria, Matagorda, and Harris counties. The procurement requires vendors to conduct field sampling and laboratory analysis to monitor water quality for the presence of Enterococcus bacteria at designated beaches, with approximately 1,421 samples collected annually across 43 sampling events. Deliverables include field sampling conducted on Mondays or Tuesdays (with provisions for Wednesday and weekend collection as needed), laboratory analysis using EPA-approved methods including membrane filtration for Enterococci and quantitative PCR for microbial source tracking, maintenance of chain of custody procedures, data entry into a web-based portal, and attendance at required training. Vendors must demonstrate minimum qualifications including OSHA compliance, appropriate insurance coverage, possession of required permits, and NELAP accreditation (which may be satisfied through a subcontracted laboratory). The contract requires completion of project activities within 45 days of receiving a Notice to Proceed, with pricing submitted on a cost-per-sample basis. Vendors must maintain detailed records, comply with the Quality Assurance Project Plan subject to annual program reviews, and be responsible for repair costs of any damage caused by their operations within 14 calendar days. The solicitation deadline is April 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with award to be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on the lowest total extended cost presented in the Price Schedule. The point of contact is Linh Phan at Linh.Phan@GLO.Texas.Gov.

This procurement includes a Veteran-Owned Historically Underutilized Business (VetHUB) subcontracting requirement for contracts valued at $100,000 or more, requiring bidders to demonstrate good faith efforts to subcontract with certified VetHUB firms. Respondents must acknowledge receipt of Addendum No. 1 (issued March 24, 2026) by returning a signed copy with their solicitation response, or their response may not be considered for award. Bidders are responsible for monitoring the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website at http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd under Agency Code 305 for any additional addenda or modifications to solicitation requirements. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in the available solicitation documents. The specific award value or budget range is not explicitly stated in the provided materials; however, pricing is submitted on a cost-per-sample basis with payment contingent upon GLO acceptance of deliverables, and the GLO reserves the right to withhold or delay payment if vendors fail to adhere to Quality Assurance Project Plan requirements.