Water Sampling and Testing Services

Capital Region BOCES is seeking water sampling and testing services through a competitive offer process (RCO #26-012) covering 30 school districts across northeastern New York counties including Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, and Schoharie. The solicitation requires a qualified vendor to perform on-site water sampling and lead testing for drinking water, complying with New York Public Health law regulations. The contract will run from February 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, with potential two-year renewal options. Vendors must have at least five years of experience in water sampling and testing services and submit three customer references. The evaluation will utilize a best value methodology with weighted criteria: 45% for cost (20% testing, 25% sampling services) and 55% for non-cost factors (15% vendor qualifications, 15% service history, 25% overall service proposal quality). The proposal requires vendors to provide all sampling supplies, laboratory testing, reporting, transportation, and related services, with sampling to be completed between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2029, following a revised lead action level of 5 parts per billion. The proposal submission deadline is November 20, 2025.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must have an Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP)-certified laboratory and provide comprehensive documentation of their sampling and testing capabilities. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the pricing structure requires vendors to quote hourly rates for sampling services (inclusive of travel and mileage) and per-sample testing fees for lead and copper analyses. The cooperative nature of the contract suggests potential significant volume across 30 school districts, which could represent a substantial annual contract value. Additional evaluation considerations include the vendor's laboratory location, response times, staffing capacity, sample pickup/dropoff options, company history, and service delivery approach. The multi-year contract structure and cooperative purchasing model indicate potential for a comprehensive and long-term service agreement with substantial engagement across multiple New York counties.