Thermal Insulation Fire Safety Test IFB No. BEARHFTI-16-1, Rebid #1

The California Department of Consumer Affairs, specifically the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI), is soliciting bids for thermal insulation fire safety testing services through Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. BEARHFTI-16-1, Rebid #1. The primary deliverable is conducting large-scale fire safety tests on insulation materials using specific testing standards: prior to January 1, 2017, tests will follow ASTM E 84-07 or UL 723-03, and after January 1, 2017, tests will use ASTM E 84-2013A or UL 723-2008. Contractors must use mounting method ASTM E 2599 when testing radiant barriers, reflective foils, and reflective plastic core insulations. Key qualifications include laboratory accreditation from NVLAP, ILAC, APLAC, or IAAC, with the contractor responsible for all shipping arrangements and sample delivery to their testing facility. The bid submission deadline is April 14, 2016, at 3:00 PM, with a bid opening on April 15, 2016, at 10:00 AM. Questions from potential bidders were due by April 1, 2016, and the contract term is set for May 1, 2016, through April 30, 2019.

While Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goals are exempt for this contract, there is a 5% bid incentive for 100% DVBE participation. The testing services will involve approximately 40 tests per year, with payment processed on a monthly billing cycle in arrears. Contractors will be required to submit electronic initial test reports within 20 days and final hardcopy reports within 30 days of receiving samples, with expedited timeframes of 10 and 15 days respectively when requested. Late test reports will incur a 10% penalty of the report value per day. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the contract will be structured on a per-test cost basis with additional charges for expedited testing services. The procurement appears to be open to qualified testing laboratories that can meet the specified technical standards and reporting requirements, with a focus on ensuring comprehensive and timely fire safety testing for thermal insulation materials.