PFAS ANALYSES

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is seeking qualified commercial laboratories to conduct comprehensive PFAS analyses for water samples collected throughout South Carolina. The procurement is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) 5400027841 specifically targeting laboratories capable of processing and analyzing water samples using EPA Method 1633, Total Oxidizable Precursor Assay (TOPA), and Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) analysis. Bidders must be certified by the SCDES Office of Environmental Laboratory Certification or an equivalent governmental accreditation body, with the ability to provide complete sample processing services including sample kits, documentation, coolers, bottles, and PFAS-free deionized water. The solicitation requires laboratories to deliver analysis and sample results within 60 days of sample receipt, with a contract term of one year beginning February 28, 2025, and potential for two additional one-year renewals. Key submission deadlines include questions due by January 23, 2025, bid responses due by February 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM ET, and award posting scheduled for March 3, 2025. Evaluation will be based on unit pricing for individual tests, with award going to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. All laboratories, including potential Canadian laboratories, are eligible to bid on the contract. While the exact contract value is not definitively stated, the procurement indicates the contract will not exceed the cost of 50 paired TOPA and TOF analyses, with no guaranteed minimum sample quantity. The sampling program is expected to continue through 2025 and potentially extend into 2026 or 2027, with samples originating from DHEC's central office located at 2600 Bull Street in Columbia, SC. Monthly invoicing will commence in March 2025, and all pricing must be comprehensive, covering sample preparation, processing charges, collection supplies, and freight. Laboratories will be responsible for their own shipping costs, and the source identification team will provide historical sample data to assist with sample preparation. The contract structure allows for flexible engagement, with unit pricing that accommodates varying analysis requirements throughout the potential three-year contract period.