Addendum and Q&A Summary: BitRaser Drive Eraser Licenses & BitRaser USB Sets

This addendum and questions-and-answers document supports the Invitation for Bids (IFB) issued by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Procurement and Contracting Services division on behalf of HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for BitRaser Drive Eraser License Software and BitRaser USB Sets. The procurement requires 5,000 BitRaser Drive Eraser License Software units (Stellar Information Systems Part #NPN-STELL-BITRA-AA) and 25 Extra BitRaser USB Sets (Stellar Information Systems Part #npn-stella-exbtr), with delivery required to the Health and Human Services Commission at 701 West 51st Street, Austin, Texas, and HHS Region No. 7. The deadline for submitting questions and clarifications was May 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Standard Time, with responses published as an addendum by May 14, 2026. The final bid submission deadline is May 21, 2026, at 10:30 AM Central Standard Time. Bids must be submitted electronically via email to pcsbids@hhs.texas.gov, through the HHS Online Bid Room, or by hand or overnight delivery of a USB drive to 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas. The contract encompasses an initial term from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, with one renewal option from June 1, 2027, through May 31, 2028, and HHSC retaining the right to extend for up to one additional year.

Pricing must be submitted as firm, fixed prices in U.S. Dollars only, covering all labor, materials, supplies, and related expenses, with price adjustments during the contract term permitted at HHSC's discretion only when correlated to the Consumer Price Index as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. No incumbent vendor or current contractor is identified in the solicitation documents, and no specific funding amounts or budget ranges are provided. Award selection will be based on best value to the state, considering the bidder's ability to meet or exceed requirements, capability to meet performance delivery requirements, and price; HHSC reserves the right to make single or multiple awards. Mandatory submission requirements include a completed and signed Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations) and the completed Exhibit C Pricing Sheet, with failure to submit resulting in bid disqualification. All respondents must comply with comprehensive affirmations and certifications including suspension and debarment status, E-Verify participation, human trafficking prohibitions, franchise tax compliance, and Texas-specific statutory requirements covering abortion funding restrictions, gender reassignment procedures, telecommunications equipment restrictions, and Israel and energy company boycott prohibitions. Bidders must maintain specified insurance coverage throughout the contract term, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, commercial automobile liability, professional liability, and umbrella liability insurance.