Water Testing Services

The Illinois Department of Corrections, acting through Menard Correctional Center, is soliciting a vendor to perform Illinois Environmental Protection Agency required water testing, laboratory analysis, reporting, and Responsible Operator in Charge services for its drinking water distribution system, with proposals due September 17, 2026.

The scope covers IEPA-compliant water testing and laboratory analysis serving approximately 3,000 individuals in custody and staff. Sampling and reporting requirements span the Revised Total Coliform Rule (six monthly samples), Chloramine residual monitoring (six monthly samples), Stage 2 Disinfection Byproduct Rule for TTHM and HAA5 (two quarterly samples each), and Lead and Copper Rule (20 samples every six months), plus annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Within 30 days of contract execution, the vendor must complete an initial compliance assessment and deliver a written report addressing any open monitoring, reporting, or notification items, with all identified deficiencies resolved within 90 days unless IEPA establishes a longer timeframe.

The vendor must hold Illinois Class D or higher water system operator certification for the Responsible Operator in Charge and IEPA laboratory accreditation under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 183 for all parameters analyzed. Subcontractors with annual values exceeding $100,000 are permitted with prior written approval and must hold identical certifications. The vendor must comply with facility security protocols, including background checks and accompaniment by facility staff in secure areas. Travel time, mileage, and travel-related expenses are not reimbursed.

Contract pricing is estimated rather than firm, with maximum total payments determined by the State prior to execution. The contract term is two years with a maximum total term not to exceed ten years including renewals or extensions. The vendor must maintain General Commercial Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, Auto Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and Workers' Compensation Insurance as required by law, with the State named as additionally insured. The contract is subject to the Illinois Prompt Payment Act. Vendors must pay a $15 Minority Contractor Initiative fee if the contract exceeds $1,000.