PFAS SURFACE WATER SAMPLING

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for PFAS Surface Water Sampling services, specifically targeting Richland County, with solicitation number 5400022760. The procurement seeks a commercial laboratory to process and analyze surface water and marine/freshwater tissue samples for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The comprehensive scope includes analyzing 400-500 surface water PFAS samples, up to 100 whole fish tissue samples, up to 100 fish filet samples, up to 50 oyster tissue samples, up to 50 blue crab tissue samples, and 150-250 water quality parameter samples. Laboratory requirements include certification for EPA Method SW-846 3512, EPA Method SW-846 8327, EPA Draft Method 1633, and specific water quality parameter methods with approved detection limits. The original bid opening was scheduled for March 10, 2022, at 2:30 PM ET, with questions due by February 18, 2022, at 12:00 PM ET, and award notification initially set for March 18, 2022. Subsequent amendments extended these dates, with the final bid opening moved to March 22, 2022, at 2:30 PM ET. However, a cancellation notice was ultimately issued, indicating the project would be re-solicited at a later date.

The solicitation did not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The contract was designed as a statewide term contract available to all South Carolina public procurement units, funded through DHEC's Environmental Affairs Bureau of Water. Award was to be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with the contract period originally planned from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, and potential renewal contingent on first-year results. Contractors were required to provide comprehensive services including sample collection kits, chain-of-custody documentation, PFAS-free deionized water, prepaid return shipping labels, and monthly project updates. The laboratory would be responsible for tissue processing, homogenization, and analysis following DHEC specifications, with all analytical results required to be reported within 21 days of analysis completion. Out-of-state vendors would be responsible for expenses related to on-site DHEC laboratory evaluations, and invoicing was to be submitted monthly beginning June 2022, accompanied by data results. While no specific budget range was detailed, the extensive sampling requirements suggest a significant scope of work.