RFQ 25-206 - Leeds LCF3 Comparison Microscopes or equivalent

The California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services issued Request for Quotation (RFQ) 25-206 on May 7, 2026, seeking competitive bids for the procurement of Leeds LCF3 comparison microscopes or equivalent systems for three separate forensic laboratories located in Ripon (Central Valley Laboratory), Sacramento, and Santa Rosa. The RFQ calls for three complete microscope systems, each featuring optical components with 6x-102x zoom magnification, trinocular bodies, eyepieces, motorized ergonomic workstations, stages, advanced lighting systems, measurement scales, and integrated imaging systems with 5MP CMOS cameras and Windows 11 computers. All equipment must be new and in current production, with ISO 17025:2017 accreditation and NIST traceability certifications required for calibration and magnification matching. The solicitation requires bidders to submit pricing using the State's Attachment A Cost Worksheet only, with F.O.B. Destination pricing accepted exclusively, and responses are due by 3:00 PM PDT on May 21, 2026. The evaluation process includes notice of intent to award on May 21, 2026, followed by a five-business-day protest period ending May 28, 2026, with final contract award scheduled for May 28, 2026, and all equipment delivery required by June 28, 2026. Award will be made to the lowest-cost responsive and responsible bidder complying with all RFQ requirements, and all products are subject to varying sales tax rates by delivery location (7.75 percent for Ripon, 8.75 percent for Sacramento, and 10.0 percent for Santa Rosa).

The procurement includes provisions for California small business preferences, disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) incentives, and target area contract preference act (TACPA) considerations, with DVBE bidders required to submit completed DGS PD 843 declarations. All bidders must provide current California Secretary of State certification, California seller's permits, postconsumer recycled-content certification, payee data records (STD 204 and STD 205), and comply with civil rights certifications for contracts exceeding $100,000. Bidders must also complete the Bidder Declaration form (GSPD-05-105) and California Uniform Form (CUF) vendor form to establish their commitment to comply with all terms, conditions, and specifications outlined in the solicitation documents. The RFQ contains a stated budget allocation of $39,500 distributed across multiple fiscal years (2021/22 through 2023/24) with various cost codes, indicating the acquisition spans multiple budget cycles. No incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in the solicitation documents. Payment terms are established at Net 45 upon invoice, with responses becoming public record upon final award, and the State reserves the right to modify or cancel the RFQ in whole or in part.