Child Welfare Services Drug & Alcohol Testing

COUNTY OF LAKE
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
P.O. Box 9000
15975 Anderson Ranch Parkway Rachael Dillman-Parsons
Lower Lake CA 95457 Social Services Director
Date: April 08, 2026
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Drug and Alcohol Testing
This Request for Proposal (RFP) announces the intent of the County of Lake to solicit proposals from qualified business
organizations to provide drug and alcohol laboratory testing services for Lake County Department of Social Services
(LCDSS) Child Welfare Services (CWS)
GENERAL OVERVIEW
* Proposals must be signed, dated, and submitted no later than May 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
* Proposals must be emailed to:
Lake County Department of Social Services
Musa Alajil, Staff Services Analyst II
musa.alajil@lakecountyca.gov
Hard copies will not be accepted
* For additional information, contact Musa Alajil at (707) 262-4521
The County intends to progress in this procurement in a series of orderly steps. This schedule is subject to
change at the discretion of the County. The County will provide sufficient advance notice to vendors in the
event of schedule changes.
Scheduled Activity Proposed Date
Letter of interest and Request for Proposals mailed to
prospective proposers April 23, 2026
RFP opens April 28, 2026
Registration closes May 4, 2026
Q&A for RFP submission May 7, 2026
RFP due May 26, 2026
Panel Review May 27, 2026
RFP selected and bidder's notified Est. May 29, 2026
Approximate Contract(s) Start Date Est. July 1, 2026

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
LCDSS, Child Welfare Services (CWS), is requesting proposals from qualified business organizations to provide
drug and alcohol laboratory testing services for CWS.
From the proposals submitted, LCDSS intends to contract out for laboratory testing services for the period of
July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029. LCDSS intends to expend no more than $70,000 per fiscal year of the three
year contract.
Proposers are expected to identify and leverage funding sources to maximize their service levels, consistent
with the terms of this RFP and federal and state laws and regulations. Proposers may link with other agencies
through cost-sharing agreements, non-financial agreements, in-kind services, etc.
SCOPE OF WORK
A. The scope of work includes drug and alcohol laboratory testing services which shall consist of the
following components:
1. Vendor must perform testing as soon as possible after the specimen arrives at the Vendor's
laboratory and must notify the requesting department of all test results, negative and confirmed
positives. This notification of results must be timely based on the turnaround time for each test
and method.
2. Vendor must provide automatic quantitative and qualitative confirmation of all positive
drug and alcohol screens. Confirmation will be GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry), LC/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry), or GC/FID (gas
chromatography/Flame Ionization Detector).
3. Vendor must provide supplies for urine and oral saliva.
4. Vendor shall provide expert witness services by affidavit, telephonically, or in-court
regarding forensic toxicology and/or drug testing when requested by the County.
B. Urine Tests:
1. A test for creatinine will be performed on each specimen to rule out possible adulteration
by dilution.
2. Laboratory testing needs for urine screens are as follows: Cocaine, Marijuana/THC,
Phencyclidine (PCP), Amphetamines/Methamphetamines, Opiates, Benzodiazepines,
Barbiturates, Buprenorphine, Methadone, Propoxyphene, Methylenedioxy
methamphetamine Ecstasy/MDMA, Oxycodone, Alcohol/Ethyl glucuronide, Synthetic
Marijuana, Fentanyl, Bath Salts, Designer Stimulants and others as needed.
C. Oral Saliva Drug Tests:
1. Laboratory testing needs for oral saliva tests are as follows: Amphetamines,
Methamphetamines, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Fentanyl, Opioids, Cannabis (THC),
Phencyclidine (PCP), Alcohol and others as needed.

MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS
Registration and Inquiries
Proposers must register with LCDSS by May 04, 2026 to receive any amendments or other
communications regarding this RFP. Proposers failing to register assume complete responsibility in the
event that amendments or other communications are issued.
To register or make inquiries regarding this RFP, contact:
Musa Alajil, Staff Services Analyst II
Lake County Department of Social Services
Email: musa.alajil@lakecountyca.gov
Telephone: (707) 262-4521
Proposers may contact only the individual identified above and are specifically directed not to contact
other LCDSS or County personnel for meetings, conferences, or other technical discussions related to
the RFP. No questions will be answered by other LCDSS or County staff.
Proposer's Conference
LCDSS does not intend to hold a proposer's conference for this RFP. However, if LCDSS deems it
necessary to hold a conference, all registered proposers will be notified in writing.
In lieu of a proposer's conference, LCDSS will accept written questions from registered proposers
regarding differential response services. All questions must be submitted in writing by May 7, 2026, by
5:00 PM to Musa Alajil. Answers to written questions will be released to all registered proposers.
Proposal Format and Content
Proposals should be prepared simply and economically providing a straightforward and concise
delineation of the proposer's ability to satisfy requirements of the RFP. Proposals should be typed with
a 12-point font size, and non-reduced, printed on only one side of each page, and the narrative may
not exceed fifteen (15) pages (excluding forms and attachments) with the complete proposal not
exceeding thirty (30) pages.
Required Elements:
1. Provide a cover letter indicating the relevant experience of the firm/agency proposing to
provide the service.
2. Provide a Table of Contents which identifies all major sections of the proposal by page
number. All forms and attachments must also be referenced by page number.
3. Describe administrative and fiscal management of the program, personnel policies, expected
use of subcontractors, etc.
4. Submit required budget indicating administrative and overhead costs, operating costs,
equipment costs, start-up costs, and any other costs associated with service delivery. All
prices submitted are non-binding at this stage of the procurement process and are subject to
negotiation.
3

No Assignment
Assignment by the successful Contractor to any third party of any contract based on the Proposal or
any monies due shall be absolutely prohibited and will not be recognized by County unless approved
in advance by County in writing.
RFP Selection Method
The principles of competitive negotiation will be followed by LCDSS during the selection process, i.e.,
the terms, service delivery method and standards of performance are negotiable. Negotiated contracts
will be awarded to proposer(s), if any, who best meets the needs of LCDSS.
An evaluation committee may be established by the LCDSS Director to evaluate and rate the proposals.
The selection committee will screen the proposals, may interview the top proposers, and submit a
recommendation. Criteria for evaluation proposals will include, but not be limited to, the following:
* Costs of services and cost-effective methodology in performing assignment.
* Reputation and experience in the type of work required.
* Capability or potential to accomplish work responsibility in the required time.
* Performance on prior contracts.
* The extent to which proposal addresses the scope of work outlined in the RFP.
Rejection of Proposals
Issuance of this RFP in no way constitutes a commitment by LCDSS to award a contract. LCDSS
reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received in response to this RFP, or to cancel this RFP.
Sample Contract
A sample contract has been attached to provide an overview of LCDSS' standard contracting
requirements. It is assumed that all proposers will be able to comply with all contract requirements.
4

CONTRACT BETWEEN COUNTY OF LAKE AND CONTRACTOR FOR
SERVICE
This Contract is made and entered into by and between the County of Lake through its
Department of Social Services, hereinafter referred to as "LCDSS", and CONTRACTOR,
hereinafter referred to as "Contractor", collectively referred to as the "parties". The LCDSS
Director shall administer this Contract on behalf of LCDSS.
1. SERVICES.
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Contractor shall provide to
LCDSS the services described in the Scope of Services attached hereto and incorporated herein
as Exhibit A at the time and place and in the manner specified therein. In the event of a conflict
in or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and Exhibit A - Scope of Services,
Exhibit B - Fiscal Provisions, Exhibit C - Compliance Provisions, and Exhibit D - Definitions,
the Agreement shall prevail.
2. TERM
This Contract shall commence on DATE, and shall terminate on DATE, unless earlier
terminated as hereinafter provided. In the event LCDSS desires to temporarily continue services
after the expiration of this Contract, such continuation shall be deemed on a month-to-month
basis, subject to the same terms, covenants, and conditions contained herein.
3. COMPENSATION
Contractor has been selected by LCDSS to provide the services described hereunder in Exhibit
"B" (Scope of Services), incorporated herein by this reference. Compensation to Contractor shall
not exceed AMOUNT (TOTAL OR PER FISCAL YEAR).
LCDSS shall compensate Contractor for services in accordance with Exhibit "B" (Fiscal
Provisions), attached hereto and incorporated herein. Compensation to Contractor is contingent
upon appropriation of federal, state and county funds.
4. TERMINATION
This Contract may be terminated by mutual consent of the parties or by the LCDSS Director
upon 30 days written notice to Contractor.
In the event of non-appropriation of funds for the services provided under this Contract, LCDSS
Director will terminate this Contract, without termination charge or other liability.
Upon termination, Contractor shall be paid a prorated amount for the services provided up to the
date of termination.
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CONTRACT BETWEEN COUNTY OF LAKE AND CONTRACTOR FOR
SERVICE
5. MODIFICATION
This Contract may only be modified by a written amendment hereto, executed by both parties;
however, matters concerning scope of services which do not affect the compensation may be
modified by mutual written consent of Contractor and LCDSS Director.
6. NOTICES
All notices between the parties shall be in writing addressed as follows:
LCDSS CONTRACTOR,
P.O. Box 9000 ADDRESS
Lower Lake, CA 95457
7. EXHIBITS
The Contract Exhibits, as listed below, are incorporated herein by reference:
Exhibit A - Scope of Services
Exhibit B - Fiscal Provisions
Exhibit C - Compliance Provisions
Exhibit D - Definitions
8. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Contractor warrants that it will comply with all terms and conditions of this Contract and
Exhibits, and all other applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies.
9. INTEGRATION
This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding its subject matter
and supersedes all prior contracts, related proposals, oral and written, and all negotiations,
conversations or discussions heretofore and between the parties.
Executed at Lower Lake, California on _________________________________.
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CONTRACT BETWEEN COUNTY OF LAKE AND CONTRACTOR FOR
SERVICE
LCDSS CONTRACTOR
______________________________ _________________________________
SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
LLOYD C. GUINTIVANO
County Counsel
By:_________________________
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CONTRACT BETWEEN COUNTY OF LAKE AND CONTRACTOR FOR
SERVICE
EXHIBIT "A" - SCOPE OF SERVICES
1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
2. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
3. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Contractor shall submit (quarterly, monthly) reports in a format approved by LCDSS by the
10th of the month following the report period.
4. RECORDS RETENTION
Contractor shall prepare, maintain and/or make available to LCDSS upon request, all records and
documentation pertaining to this Contract, including financial, statistical, property, recipient and
service records and supporting documentation for a period of four (4) years from the date of final
payment of this Contract. If at the end of the retention period, there is ongoing litigation or an
outstanding audit involving the records, Contractor shall retain the records until resolution of
litigation or audit. After the retention period has expired, Contractor assures that confidential
records shall be shredded and disposed of appropriately.
5. GRIEVANCE
Contractor must establish a written grievance process for reviewing and attempting to resolve
complaints. At a minimum the process shall include all of the following:
a. Time frames within which a complaint will be acted upon.
b. Written notification to the complainant of the results of the review, including a
statement that the complainant may appeal to the LCDSS if dissatisfied with the results of
the contractor's review.
c. Confidentiality provisions to protect the complainant's rights to privacy. Only
information relevant to the complaint may be released to the responding party.
Contractor must notify all individuals of the grievance process available to them by posting
notification of the process in visible and accessible areas and advising homebound individuals of
the process.
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CONTRACT BETWEEN COUNTY OF LAKE AND CONTRACTOR FOR
SERVICE
EXHIBIT "B" - FISCAL PROVISIONS
1. BUDGET
Contractor shall submit, in advance, a detailed budget, in the format approved by LCDSS for
review and approval by the LCDSS Director. Contractor shall be compensated only for expenses
included in the approved budget. Modification to the budget must be submitted to the LCDSS
Director in writing and approved in advance by the LCDSS Director.
2. EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
A. Contract funds shall not be used to purchase food or promotional merchandise or to
attend conferences unless specifically approved in the budget.
B. Contract funds shall not be used to purchase computers, printers, software or any related
equipment unless specifically approved in the budget.
C. LCDSS Director reserves the right to refuse payment to Contractor or disallow costs for
any expenditure determined to be unreasonable, out of compliance, or inappropriate to the
services provided hereunder.
3. EQUIPMENT PURCHASED WITH CONTRACT FUNDS
Contractor shall maintain an inventory of all equipment purchased with Contract funds and shall
submit a copy of said inventory along with Contractor's June invoice or upon termination of the
Contract. All equipment purchased with Contract funds is the property of LCDSS and shall be
delivered to LCDSS if no longer in use or upon termination of the Contract, whichever occurs
first.
4. CONTRACTOR'S FINANCIAL RECORDS
Contractor shall keep financial records for funds received hereunder, separate from any other
funds administered by Contractor, and maintained in accordance with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles and Procedures and the Office of Management and Budget's Cost
Principles.
5. INVOICES
A. Contractor shall submit MONTHLY/QUARTERLY invoices, in the format approved
by LCDSS, based on actual expenses, no later than the 20th of the month following the month in
which services were provided, except for the months of May and June.
B. For the months of May and June:
1. Funding for this Contract is appropriated on a fiscal year basis. LCDSS is not
able to compensate Contractor after the close of the fiscal year period.
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CONTRACT BETWEEN COUNTY OF LAKE AND CONTRACTOR FOR
SERVICE
2. To ensure Contractor is properly compensated, Contractor shall submit invoices
based on estimated expenses, including all anticipated costs, no later than June 5th
of the fiscal year period.
3. Contractor shall follow up by submitting invoices for actual expenses, as stated
hereinabove in Paragraph 5A., including remittance of the full amount of any
overpayment that occurred in the event estimated expenses exceeded actual.
C. LCDSS shall review and approve Contractor's invoices and make payment within fifteen
(15) days of approval.
6. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS AND AUDIT EXCEPTIONS
6.1 Contractor warrants that it shall comply with all audit requirements established by
LCDSS and will provide a copy of Contractor's Annual Independent Audit Report, if applicable.
A. Such audits shall include, but are not limited to, compliance with all applicable Single Audit
Requirements as outlined below:
Contractors that expend $750,000 or more in Federal Awards shall arrange for an audit to be
performed as required by the Single Audit Act of 1984, Public Law 98-502, Single Audit Act
Amendments of 1996, Public Law 104-156, and Part 200 of the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) Guidance, and a copy submitted to the:
Lake County Department of Social Services
Attn: Program Manager
P.O. Box 9000
Lower Lake, CA 95457
The copy shall be submitted within the earlier of 30 days after receipt of the auditor's report or
nine months after the end of the audit period, unless a longer period is agreed to in advance by
the cognizant or oversight agency.
Contractor shall ensure that LCDSS-funded expenditures are displayed discretely along with the
related federal expenditures in the single audit report's "Schedule of Expenditures of Federal
Awards" (SEFA) under the appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number
as referenced in Section B of this Article.
For LCDSS contracts that do not have CFDA numbers, the Contractor shall ensure that the
LCDSS funded expenditures are discretely identified in the SEFA by the appropriate program
name, identifying grant/contract number, and as passed-through the California Department of
Social Services.
6.2 LCDSS may conduct periodic audits of Contractor's financial records, notifying
Contractor no less than 48 hours prior to scheduled audit. Said notice shall include a detailed
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