PreSolicitation for DCC Laboratory Information Management System Replacement project "LIMSR"

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is conducting a pre-solicitation for a Laboratory Information Management System Replacement (LIMSR) project, seeking a comprehensive cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution to replace its current legacy system. The procurement aims to acquire a robust LIMS platform capable of managing the full lifecycle of cannabis sample testing, including sample tracking, login, test assignment, analytical batch creation, quality control, results entry, data review, reporting, and integration with partner laboratories and instruments. Key deliverables include a system that supports testing for cannabinoids, microbial impurities, heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, and other cannabis-related analytical parameters, with requirements for barcode generation, equipment management, and comprehensive regulatory compliance tracking. The evaluation will be weighted 60% on technical capabilities and 40% on cost, with a maximum of 5,240 total points. Critical dates include a pre-solicitation feedback deadline of December 2, 2025, proposal due date of February 2, 2026, live vendor demonstrations between March 6-19, 2026, and anticipated contract award on May 27, 2026, with a contract start date of May 28, 2026.

The solicitation includes socioeconomic preferences for Small Businesses (5% preference) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with potential incentive points up to 5%. Bidders must pre-qualify through the state's electronic Vendor Application of Qualifications (eVAQ) process and maintain workers' compensation insurance with $1,000,000 limits. The total contract value is capped at $760,000, which includes base contract costs, a 10% contingency, and optional software and maintenance fees for a baseline of 20 users, with scalability options for additional user tiers. The contract structure includes five key implementation milestones: Project Initiation (5%), Business Analysis & Discovery (10%), Technical Design & Build (30%), Training & Testing (35%), and Maintenance & Operations (20%). Bidders must provide fixed-price SaaS costs for two base years, hourly labor rates for various staff classifications, and pricing for optional maintenance years. The state reserves the right to request Best and Final Offers (BAFO) and is not obligated to award to the lowest-cost bidder.