Bidders were provided the opportunity through August 13 to ask questions about our RFP for Development And Testing Of Rapid Methods For The Detection And Enumeration Of Bacterial Indicators. The answers to those questions are provided below.

Question #1: Which bacterial indicators are currently used in California?

Answer: There are three bacterial indicators mandated by California law for measurement at high use beaches: enterococci, fecal coliforms and total coliforms. The law requiring their use (AB411) can be found at the following web site: http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/beach/index.html.

Answer: Membrane filtration and multiple tube fermentation are approved by the State Health Department and both are used extensively. The State also granted conditional approval last year for use of the IDEXX chromogenic substrate method and its use is rising.

Answer: Yes, within limits. We will be glad to supply you with bench space (including sinks and hoods) for up to one week at no charge. There will be a charge if you require more lab time, or if you require specialty equipment. Any lab space needs at SCCWRP during this project should be clearly delineated in your proposal.

Answer: Yes, within limits. We will be glad to gather local water samples to assist you once during Phase I of the project. We will absorb the labor cost, but shipping costs will be your responsibility. Collection of additional samples can also be arranged, but you will be billed for the cost of labor (approximately $50/hour).

Answer: The State of California provides public notification of beach monitoring activities in California on its web site: http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/beach/index.html.

In addition, the following article provides more detailed information about monitoring in southern California: http://www.sccwrp.org/pubs/annrpt/97/ar16.htm. This article can also be accessed from Environmental Management 27:149-157

Answer: No.