RFP for RRD Lab Containers

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued this Request for Proposal on May 18, 2021, for the procurement of laboratory sample containers to support the RRD Laboratory's environmental sampling operations across Grand Traverse County and Lansing City jurisdictions. The procurement seeks multiple types of environmental sampling bottles and containers that meet or exceed specifications outlined in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's "Specifications and Guidance for Contaminant Free Sample Containers," including amber glass Boston round bottles, HDPE rectangular bottles, Nalgene dropper bottles, VOA vials, and sterile bacteriological bottles in various volumes ranging from 4 ounces to 32 ounces. All containers must be EPA pre-cleaned, labeled with preservatives completely spelled out including the amount and concentration, and available for delivery within five business days of order receipt. Bidders were required to submit physical samples of each bottle type by June 1, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, submit written questions by June 7, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and submit complete proposals by June 22, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The anticipated contract period runs from October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2024, with five one-year renewal options available at the State's sole discretion. Contractors must maintain a toll-free customer service line available during business hours, deliver orders to either the EGLE RRD Laboratory in Lansing or the EGLE Administration office on Filley Street, and maintain commercial general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate, with the State named as an additional insured. Evaluation criteria include 100 percent compliance with delivery schedules and exact item matching, with service-level penalties of $100 per occurrence for the first five instances of non-compliance in a calendar year and $500 per occurrence thereafter.

The RFP documentation does not identify any specific set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendors. Bidders are not required to submit pricing for all items in the extensive catalog exceeding 45 distinct product variations; contractors may provide quotes only for bottles they are able to supply. Pricing must be firm for a 365-day period beginning on the Effective Date, with adjustments possible only upon written request supported by documented cost changes, and all unit pricing must include shipping and handling costs. The State will make payments via Electronic Funds Transfer within 45 days of invoice receipt. Federal provisions applicable to federally funded purchases include compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act, Clean Air Act, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, debarment and suspension requirements, and Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment certifications for awards exceeding $100,000. The RFP documents do not specify an overall contract award value or budget range, though estimated annual quantities for individual items vary significantly, from 100 units for specialized dropper bottles to 140,000 units for standard open-top vials.