Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to gather market-related information on pricing approaches for specialised laboratory analyses of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in marine and coastal environments. This information will inform the development of an appropriate pricing structure for future procurement, supporting the City's water quality monitoring efforts. The analyses focus on contaminants such as PAHs, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, PCBs, PBDEs, and other related substances, which are increasingly monitored to understand their occurrence, distribution, and long-term trends.

Scope

The scope encompasses specialised laboratory analyses that may only be undertaken by accredited international laboratories, often located overseas. The analyses include, but are not limited to:

• Sediment analyses for various contaminants (e.g., PAHs, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, PCBs, herbicides)
• Biological tissue analyses for similar contaminants, including morphometric and moisture content measurements
• Additional analyses as required during the contract period, potentially including new analytes or expanded suites

The analyses are to support marine and coastal water quality monitoring, with the understanding that analytical requirements may evolve over the contract duration.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Provision of analytical services for specified contaminant suites in sediment and biological tissues
• Adherence to accreditation standards and quality assurance protocols
• Capability to provide fixed prices for each analytical suite over a multi-year period (e.g., three years)
• Flexibility to accommodate potential increases in prices due to inflation or changes in analytical methods
• Pricing mechanisms for additional analytes or suites added during the contract
• Provision of sampling containers, courier services, chain-of-custody, and related logistical support

Skills Requirements

Respondents should demonstrate:

• Experience in providing specialised laboratory analyses for environmental contaminants, particularly in marine and coastal contexts
• Capability to undertake analyses of complex contaminant suites with accredited laboratories, preferably internationally
• Understanding of pricing strategies for multi-year contracts and the ability to suggest practical pricing structures
• Knowledge of analytical method developments and their potential impact on pricing over time
• Ability to advise on cost components such as mark-ups, additional costs, and logistical considerations