ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has initiated a search for qualified contractors to provide comprehensive analytical laboratory services. This move comes as the company aims to enhance its testing capabilities both offshore and onshore.
The RFI, which serves to identify potential suppliers, outlines an extensive list of requirements and testing capabilities that prospective contractors must meet to qualify.
The scope of services required by EMGL includes rigorous testing of both solid and liquid samples. This entails proficiency in handling various types of materials and adhering to established testing methodologies.
As mentioned, the RFI from ExxonMobil Guyana specifies a broad range of analytical testing services. Potential suppliers are required to demonstrate their ability to perform toxicity characteristic leaching procedures (TCLP) on solid waste samples to test for an extensive array of metals and organic compounds. The metals listed for testing include aluminum, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, and silver. The organic compounds are categorized into volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides, and herbicides. The VOCs, for instance, include benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and trichloroethylene, among others.
For water samples, the requirements are equally stringent. Suppliers must be capable of testing for a comprehensive set of parameters including various forms of alkalinity, a wide range of metals and anions such as aluminum, calcium, and lead, and a detailed spectrum of organic compounds. Specific testing for radioisotopes, pH levels, and total dissolved solids is also required, highlighting the breadth of analytical capabilities that EMGL is looking for.
The RFI emphasizes the importance of proficiency in specific methodologies, including well-recognized standards such as SM-9223B, ASTM D5907-18, and various gas chromatography techniques. This underscores the company’s focus on maintaining rigorous testing standards that meet both local and international benchmarks. Potential contractors must have access to the necessary analytical equipment suitable for offshore, nearshore, and onshore environments, and be prepared to quickly establish or expand their operations in Guyana, given the rapid startup timeframe of 6 to 12 months outlined in the RFI.
In addition to technical capabilities, EMGL’s RFI outlines several operational and compliance requirements. Contractors must demonstrate their capacity for rapid mobilization and startup, including the ability to source the necessary capital and equipment. Qualified staff with experience in quality assurance management and a robust data integrity framework are also mandatory. The importance of compliance with local and international standards is emphasized, with requirements for certifications from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
This focus on quality assurance is further highlighted by the requirement for multiple laboratories, which ensures backup capacity and the ability to confirm or rerun tests, thereby guaranteeing the reliability of testing results.
Prospective contractors must demonstrate an understanding of the Local Content Act (2021) and its implications for their operations. Bidders are expected to present a preliminary local content strategy, detailing how they will meet local content expectations. This includes plans to engage with local suppliers and workforce, contributing to the economic development of Guyana.
