RFP 2027-002 Drug and Alcohol Testing Services

The City of Salem, Virginia Purchasing Department is requesting proposals for comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Testing Services covering DOT/FMCSA-regulated and non-DOT employee populations, with proposals due September 18, 2026. Written questions were due August 19, 2026.

The scope includes DOT/FMCSA-compliant testing under 49 CFR Parts 40 and 382 for approximately 90 employees holding Commercial Driver's Licenses; non-DOT pre-employment and policy-based testing for approximately 150 employees in the random pool and approximately 160 other employees; and FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse services with anticipated queries of 100 to 200 annually. Services encompass random-pool administration, collection services, laboratory analysis, Medical Review Officer services, record retention and transfer, and reporting. The contractor must provide 24/7 post-accident and reasonable-suspicion testing capability with Breath Alcohol Technician response within two hours, maintain FMCSA minimum testing rates (50% controlled substances, 10% alcohol), and conduct non-DOT random testing up to 10% annually. Collections are generally not observed except when a specimen lacks proper temperature documentation or for return-to-duty and follow-up tests under DOT regulations. The contractor must achieve full operational status within 30 days of contract execution.

The initial contract term is one year with options to renew for four additional one-year periods (five years total). Rate adjustments during renewal periods require written submission at least 60 days prior and City approval. The City does not guarantee minimum test volumes and has a current incumbent provider in place.

Evaluation criteria carry weights: Qualifications and Relevant Experience (30%); Technical Approach and Methodology (30%); References and Past Performance (10%); Project Team Qualifications (10%); Project Schedule (10%); and Price Proposal (10%). Offerors must provide at least three references from similar projects, preferably public-sector clients, along with DOT/FMCSA certifications and accreditations. Required insurance includes Workers' Compensation (statutory), Employer's Liability ($100,000 each accident / $500,000 policy limit), Commercial General Liability ($1 million each occurrence / $2 million aggregate), Professional Liability ($1 million each claim / $2 million aggregate), Excess/Umbrella Liability ($1 million each occurrence / $2 million aggregate), and Automobile Liability ($1 million each accident), with the City named as additional insured. Corporations, LLCs, business trusts, limited partnerships, and registered LLPs must be authorized to transact business in Virginia. No bid, performance, or payment bonds are required. Offerors may utilize qualified local mobile collection providers, third-party collection facilities, and laboratories with City approval, provided the prime contractor retains full responsibility. Proposals may be submitted electronically through eVA or in person/by mail with one original and two copies in a sealed envelope. Three addenda have been issued, clarifying collection procedures, extending the proposal deadline from September 4 to September 18, and providing vendor question responses and service population details.