Water Testing Services

Menard Correctional Center, part of the Illinois Department of Corrections, is soliciting bids through an Invitation for Bid for Illinois Environmental Protection Agency-required water testing, laboratory analysis, reporting, and Responsible Operator in Charge services for its drinking water distribution system, with bids due November 16, 2026. The solicitation carries a Business Enterprise Program goal of 4%, and a bid without a completed BEP Utilization Plan is non-responsive. No small business, minority-owned, women-owned, persons-with-disabilities-owned, or veteran-owned set-asides apply.

The vendor must hold an Illinois Class D or higher water system operator certification and use an IEPA-accredited laboratory. Required work includes monthly Revised Total Coliform Rule sampling (six samples), chloramine residual monitoring (six samples), quarterly Stage 2 Disinfection Byproduct Rule testing for TTHM and HAA5 (two samples each), semi-annual Lead and Copper Rule testing (20 samples), annual Consumer Confidence Reports, and public notices and monthly operating reports as required. The vendor must complete an initial compliance assessment within 30 days of contract execution and close all open compliance items within 90 days. Subcontractors with annual values above $100,000 require prior written approval, and personnel must submit security information within five working days of award.

The initial term is two years, with a maximum of ten years including renewals and extensions. The total price is estimated and will be entered by the State before execution, with pricing in the BidBuy Purchase Order. The vendor bears all transportation and mileage costs, and only on-site time is compensable. The contract is contingent upon appropriations, and the State may terminate for convenience on 30 days' notice or for cause immediately. Required insurance includes $1,000,000 general commercial liability per occurrence, $2,000,000 annual aggregate, $1,000,000 auto liability, and workers' compensation as required by law. The procurement may be partially or fully funded with federal funds, and prevailing wage requirements apply to applicable service categories. Awards of $1,000 or more carry a $15 Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative fee deducted from the first payment.

Bids are submitted electronically through BidBuy, and the State will award to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder. Bidders must submit vendor disclosures, an offer to the State of Illinois, contract documents, and the BEP Utilization Plan. Prime vendors unable to meet the full BEP goal through self-performance or certified subcontractors must submit a waiver request with documented good faith efforts, and BEP Compliance decides waivers within ten business days. No bid or performance bonds are required.