Lead and Copper Rule Improvement Services

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW:

The City of Ontario, California, is seeking proposals for Lead and Copper Rule Improvement (LCRI) Services to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regulations. The core objectives include validating the City’s lead service line inventory (LSLI) using approved statistical models, conducting field inspections, developing educational materials for childcare and educational facilities, and performing lead sampling at these locations. The services are intended to enhance public health and safety regarding lead exposure in drinking water.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION:

• Organization: City of Ontario
• Location: Ontario, California, USA
• Primary Contact: Purchasing City
• Email: [email protected]

KEY DATES:

• Posted Date: March 9, 2026
• Proposal Due Date: April 27, 2026, by 6:00 PM PDT
• Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026
• Performance Period: 3 years with an option for 2 additional 1-year terms

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Licensing: Bidders must have a qualified lead sampler licensed by a certifying organization recognized by the State of California under CA AB 2370.
• Submission Method: Proposals must be submitted electronically through the City’s Bid Management System, with a confirmation number required for consideration.
• Insurance: Non-negotiable insurance limits must be met, and certification must be provided as specified in the bid documents.
• Technical Capabilities: Bidders must demonstrate experience in lead and copper rule compliance, statistical validation methods, and educational outreach.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES:

Bidders should possess expertise in:

• Statistical modeling for lead service line inventory validation
• Field inspection methodologies
• Development of educational materials for various age groups
• Lead sampling techniques and compliance with environmental regulations

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Key deliverables include:

• A validated lead service line inventory
• Educational materials tailored for childcare and educational institutions
• Lead sampling reports for the specified facilities
• Compliance with all reporting requirements as mandated by the EPA

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Technical approach to the project
• Past performance and relevant experience
• Price competitiveness
  The evaluation will prioritize a best-value approach rather than strictly lowest-price technically acceptable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

While not mandatory, the following qualifications will enhance a bidder's competitiveness:

• Previous experience with municipal lead and copper rule compliance projects
• Familiarity with California environmental regulations
• Strong community engagement and educational outreach capabilities

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the RFP for potential bidders to assess their fit for the Lead and Copper Rule Improvement Services project.