Rapid Silicosis Surveillance

California Department of Public Health, Occupational Health Branch is working to rapidly address the emergency of a silicosis epidemic among countertop workers. Preliminary efforts have identified 238 workers with confirmed silicosis related to engineered stone exposures, including 29 with lung transplants, and 15 deaths. Expanded public health activities are essential to address the growing epidemic.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is soliciting proposals from firms that are able to:
1. Improve capacity to conduct ongoing surveillance for silicosis associated with engineered stone leveraging existing expertise and share summarized results on risk factors and outcomes with stakeholders.
2. Develop and disseminate technical guidance and recommendations to prevent exposure to silica dust and silicosis disease associated with engineered stone.
3. Maintain and update a list of countertop fabrication businesses in California and conduct targeted worksite visits to evaluate work processes, assess exposures, and provide recommendations for prevention.
4. Partner with local, state, and other organizations to enhance capacity for responding to and preventing silicosis using established relationships.
Proposals must address all the services described in Exhibit A entitled, ¿Scope of Work¿.
CDPH intends to make a single contract award to the most responsive and responsible firm offering the highest scoring bid. This procurement is open to all eligible firms and/or individuals that meet the qualification requirements, including commercial businesses, nonprofit organizations, State or public universities (including auxiliary organizations) and other entities.