PFAS ANALYSIS - METHOD 537. 1

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is seeking a qualified laboratory to perform Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) analysis services using EPA Method 537.1 for Richland County. The procurement is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for analytical testing of an estimated 150 to 450 PFAS water samples, with all analysis required to be completed by June 1, 2020. Successful bidders must be EPA-certified for Method 537.1 analysis and provide comprehensive services including sample collection supplies, shipping, chain-of-custody documentation, and analysis reporting. The solicitation requires unit pricing for standard Method 537.1 analysis, with optional pricing for expedited three-day and five-day analysis options. Key deliverables include electronic analytical results reported within 21 days of analysis completion, with strict quality control requirements including precision testing, ongoing quality control checks, and compliance with minimum reporting levels ranging from 0.53 to 6.3 ng/L. The bidding process opened on February 25, 2020, with questions from offerors due by March 4, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. ET, and bid opening scheduled for March 17, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Award notification is anticipated on March 23, 2020.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract will be awarded to a single offeror determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with DHEC reserving the right to conduct on-site evaluations of the contract laboratory prior to award. Subcontract laboratories must meet identical certification and inspection requirements as the primary contractor. While no specific budget range is mentioned, the contract includes provisions for reanalysis of lost or damaged samples at no additional cost to DHEC. The agency maintains strict confidentiality requirements, with all data, including sampling site locations and analytical results, remaining the property of DHEC and not to be released without written permission from the agency's Freedom of Information Office. The contract appears to be funded through a specific appropriation that lapses on June 1, 2020, which suggests a time-limited funding source for this analytical services procurement.