RFI - PFAS OR PFOS Evaluation of Boulder County Parks and Open Space Noxious Weed Herbicides

Boulder County Parks and Open Space (BCPOS) in Colorado has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified vendors capable of evaluating whether herbicides used by the department contain or may be classified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOS. This RFI is a non-binding information-gathering initiative intended to assess methodologies and processes for conducting such evaluations, with responses designed to inform the scope, feasibility, and appropriate analytical approaches for potential future testing initiatives. Key deliverables sought from vendors include descriptions of analytical methods for detecting PFAS compounds in both liquid and granular pesticide formulations, capabilities for identifying total fluorine and targeted PFAS compounds, approaches for classifying products as PFAS or PFAS-related, detection limits and reporting thresholds, data interpretation methodologies, estimated costs for one-time and ongoing testing services, and recommended sampling protocols with associated limitations. Required qualifications include demonstrated expertise as a qualified laboratory or analytical vendor capable of conducting PFAS evaluations and providing comprehensive reporting of findings. The RFI was posted on May 4, 2026, with a response deadline of May 15, 2026, and interested vendors should direct procurement-related questions to procurement@bouldercounty.gov. Evaluation criteria will focus on vendors' technical capabilities, methodological approaches, and ability to support BCPOS's assessment of its herbicide inventory.

The RFI does not indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular organization types, disadvantaged enterprises, or minority-owned businesses. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documentation, nor are specific infrastructure or technology integration requirements specified. Notably, this RFI explicitly does not constitute a commitment by Boulder County to issue a Request for Proposals, award a contract, or conduct future testing services; rather, it serves as an exploratory procurement tool to gather vendor capabilities and cost information. No budget range or award value is specified in the RFI documentation, as this is an information-gathering phase rather than a formal service solicitation. Vendors interested in responding should complete the Vendor Information Form for Bonfire and submit responses by the May 15, 2026 deadline to ensure consideration in Boulder County's evaluation of potential future herbicide testing procurement initiatives.