Wastewater Epidemiology & Drug Testing Services

The State of Iowa, through the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), is seeking a qualified vendor to provide comprehensive Wastewater Epidemiology and Drug Testing Services via a Request for Proposal (RFP) numbered 005-RFP-2064-2026. The primary objectives of this procurement are to monitor community health indicators, track drug consumption patterns, and establish early warning systems for disease outbreaks, with a specific focus on addressing Iowa's escalating opioid crisis. Vendors must develop a robust sampling protocol, collect composite wastewater samples twice weekly, and utilize a NELAC-certified testing facility to conduct RT-qPCR testing for diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, and various drug metabolites. The required deliverables include secure web-based dashboards, API access, and quarterly trend reports analyzing community health data. Key evaluation criteria will likely include technical capabilities, testing methodology, reporting infrastructure, and cost-effectiveness. The solicitation was issued on 9/15/2025, with proposals due on 10/13/2025 at 2:00 PM CDT, and the initial contract term will run from 11/3/2025 to 11/2/2026, with potential renewals for up to five additional one-year terms.

The RFP appears open to all qualified vendors, with no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types mentioned in the available documentation. The procurement supports not only the State of Iowa but also allows participation from other state agencies, political subdivisions, and governmental entities. No incumbent vendors are explicitly identified in the provided materials. The services are particularly critical given Iowa's dramatic increase in opioid-related deaths, which have risen 313% from 2015 to 2024, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl now accounting for nearly 90% of overdose fatalities. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the RFP indicates that cost proposals should include itemized pricing for sample collection and testing, with all-inclusive costs quoted in U.S. dollars and based on Net 60 Days Payment Terms. The primary contact for this procurement is Paul Manges, who can be reached at paul.manges@iowa.gov or +1 515-330-7325, and interested vendors can find additional details through the Iowa Management of Procurement and Contracts System (Iowa IMPACS).