ESBD_544241_1785957953785_IFB_No._HHS0016767v2_CPS-Storage and Transportation.pdf

PCS 137 - SERVICES

Version 1.90 Page 1 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

Stephanie Muth, Executive Commissioner

Invitation for Bids (IFB) for

CPS/ Storage & Transportation- Climate and Non-Climate Controlled

IFB No. HHS0016767v2

NIGP Class/Item No(s): 971 - 91 Warehouse Rental or Lease, 958 - 94

Warehouse Management Services, 962 – 86 Transportation of Goods, Shipping and Handling, and Other Freight Services, 962 - 95 Warehousing and Storage Services, Not Storage Space Rental, Including Farm Product

Storage in Silos and Grain Elevators

Procurement Schedule - All Times are Central Time Reference Section 2 for further information

IFB Date Posted to ESBD 08/05/2026

Questions or Clarifications Submission Deadline 08/12/2026, 10:30 AM

Responses to Questions or Clarifications - Addendum posted on the ESBD

08/14/2026

Courtesy Review of HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Submission Deadline

08/17/2026, 10:30 AM

Response Deadline: Responses to this IFB must be received 08/26/2026, 10:30 AM

Anticipated Contract Start Date 11/29/2026

Version 1.90 Page 2 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

Table of Contents 1 Introduction and Purpose of IFB

1.1 Authority

1.2 Historical Monetary Value

1.3 No Guarantee of Volume, Usage or Compensation

1.4 Negotiation, Exceptions or Assumptions

1.5 IFB Components

2 Procurement Schedule

3 Withdrawal or Amendment of Response

4 HHSC Overview

5 Definitions

6 General IFB Information

6.1 Sole Point of Contact and Communications

6.2 Exception to the Sole Point of Contact

6.3 Binding Offer Period

6.4 Costs Incurred

6.5 Changes, Modifications and Cancellation

6.6 Ambiguity, Conflict, Discrepancy

6.7 IFB Questions or Clarifications

6.8 Notification of Addenda or Cancellation

7 Scope of Work (SOW)

7.1 Scope of Services to be Performed

8 HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Requirements

8.1 HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP)

8.2 Courtesy Review of HSP

9 Pricing Information

9.1 Pricing Structure

9.2 Price Adjustments

10 Changes to The Contract

11 Contract Term

11.1 Term of Contract

11.2 Initial Contract Term:

11.3 Renewal Option(s)

11.4 Extension Option

12 Contract Administration/ Purchase Order Administration

12.1 Contract Manager/Program Lead

12.2 Performed Services Monitoring

Version 1.90 Page 3 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

12.3 Performance Reporting

12.4 Contractor Response to Notification of Non-Material Deficiency

12.5 Corrective Action Plan (The Plan)

12.6 Performance Issues

12.7 Public Information Act – Bidder Requirements Regarding Disclosure

12.8 Bidder Waiver – Intellectual Property

13 Invoicing and Payment

13.1 Bill-to Address

13.2 Invoice Information

13.3 Payment

13.4 Invoice Submission

13.5 Disputed Invoice(s)

14 Insurance Requirements

14.1 Specific Insurance Requirements

14.2 Alternative Insurability

15 Screening of Responses

15.1 Administrative Screening

15.2 Irregularities

16 Evaluation

16.1 Evaluation of Responses

16.2 Conformance with State Law for Evaluation

16.3 Specific Evaluation Criteria

17 Award

18 Standards of Conduct for Vendors

19 Disclosure of Interested Parties

20 Protest Procedures

Appendix A – Submission Instructions and Response Checklist

Version 1.90 Page 4 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

1 Introduction and Purpose of IFB

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is an agency within the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system. The Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) division of HHSC administers IFBs for HHS.

HHSC PCS is seeking competitive bids to establish contract(s) to provide storage facilities (climate and non-climate controlled) and warehouse logistics, including packaging and shipping, in San Antonio, Texas. The items involved will include medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and materials for new and existing Department of State Health Services (DSHS) inventory and for transportation of inventory during a public health emergency event or for other reasons as designated and activated by DSHS.

Both HHS Agencies, HHSC and DSHS, will be entitled to use any contract awarded as a result of this IFB.

To be considered for award, Bidders must submit a comprehensive Response which includes all required information and documentation as outlined in this IFB to ensure the Bidder meets all requirements, possesses the required experience and qualifications, and has the capacity to provide the services described in this IFB. See Appendix A, Submission Instructions and Response Checklist.

1.1 Authority

HHSC or DSHS is soliciting the services stated in this IFB under Texas Government Code

2155.144.

1.2 Historical Monetary Value

Historical spend for the same or similar services is $3,797,043.41 for the period June 1, 2021 – July 31, 2026.

1.3 No Guarantee of Volume, Usage or Compensation

HHS Agency does not guarantee any volume, usage, or compensation to be paid to any Contractor under any Contract resulting from this IFB. Additionally, all HHS Agency contracts are subject to appropriations, the availability of funds, and termination.

The estimated historical spend included in Section 1.2 is provided only as a guideline for preparing the pricing response and should not be construed as representing anticipated or actual quantities that will be required.

1.4 Negotiation, Exceptions or Assumptions

Negotiations are prohibited under the IFB procurement method under most circumstances, and even then, the scope of permissible negotiations is limited and may not result in a material change to the scope of work or specifications as advertised in this IFB.

Version 1.90 Page 5 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

Bidders should NOT submit exceptions to this IFB which could result in disqualification of a Response. No changes to a Response can be made after the submission deadline.

No assumptions should be included in a Response. The inclusion of assumptions could result in disqualification of a Response. Instead, a Bidder should advance assumptions and seek clarification of a section of this IFB, any Exhibits or attachments, in the form and manner required in Section 6.7 IFB Questions or Clarifications.

1.5 IFB Components

This IFB includes the following items:

• PCS 137 IFB (this document)

• Exhibit A – HHS Solicitation Affirmations

• Exhibit B – PCS 111-Contract Affirmations and HHS Uniform Terms and Conditions (UTCs)

• Exhibit C – Pricing Sheet

• Exhibit D – Bidder Reference and Contractor Qualifications Form

• Exhibit E – HHS Online Bid Room Information

• Exhibit F- PCS Map

• Exhibit G – Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan (HSP) and Requirements

• Exhibit H – Form 4109 Application for Texas Identification Number

2 Procurement Schedule

The Procurement Schedule dates on the cover page of this IFB are subject to change. HHSC reserves the right to modify these dates at any time by issuing an addendum. Any events listed in the Procurement Schedule after the Response Deadline will occur at the discretion of HHSC.

Responses must be received by HHSC prior to the Response Deadline as indicated in the Procurement Schedule. Every Bidder is solely responsible for ensuring its Response is received by HHSC before the Response Deadline in accordance with all requirements regarding submission. HHSC is not responsible for lost, misdirected or late Responses.

By submitting a Response, the Bidder represents and warrants that the individual submitting the Response, inclusive of the documents made part of the Response, is authorized to sign on behalf of the Bidder, and to bind the Bidder under any Contract that may result from this IFB.

Version 1.90 Page 6 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

3 Withdrawal or Amendment of Response

Bidders may withdraw or amend their Responses at any time prior to the Response Deadline by e-mailing the point of contact listed in Section 6.1 (Sole Point of Contact and Communications).

The e-mail subject line for withdrawal or response amendment should contain the IFB number as indicated on the cover page of this IFB. The Bidder is solely responsible for ensuring the email is received by HHSC before the Response Deadline. HHSC is not responsible for lost or misdirected e-mails.

4 HHSC Overview

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) was created in 1991 to oversee and coordinate the planning and delivery of health and human services in Texas. It is established pursuant to Chapter 531, Texas Government Code and is responsible for oversight of Texas Health and Human Services agencies.

PCS administers the procurement process, which includes IFB announcement and publication, Bidder communications, receipt of Responses, screening of timely received responses, and facilitating the evaluation of qualified Responses. PCS, in coordination with each HHS program, manages the execution of the award, through issuance of Purchase Order(s) or other Contract document, resulting from this IFB.

5 Definitions

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, throughout this IFB, the definition given to a term below applies whenever the term appears in this IFB, in any Response (Bid) submitted in response to this IFB, and in any Contract awarded as a result of this IFB. All other terms have their ordinary and common meaning.

a) Addendum – A written clarification or revision to this IFB issued by HHSC.

b) Bidder – The entity or individual that submits a response to this IFB. Includes anyone acting on behalf of the entity or individual that submits a response, such as an agent, employee, or representative. See also Respondent below.

c) Contract –The signed Purchase Order or Signature Document, the Uniform Terms and Conditions, Affirmations, along with any Attachments, Exhibits and any Amendments, purchase orders, or Work Orders that may be issued by HHSC, to be incorporated by reference for all purposes as a result of this IFB.

d) Contractor - Each Bidder, business entity or individual, if any, awarded a Purchase Order or other Contract to provide the services or goods as a result of this IFB.

e) Contract Term – The period of time during which the Purchase Order or Contract is in effect from the start date through the end date and may include renewal or extension periods.

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=GV&chapter=GV.531&artSec=

Version 1.90 Page 7 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

f) Debarment – An exclusion from contracting or subcontracting with state agencies on the basis of cause pursuant to Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter G of the Texas Administrative Code, and the Federal System for Award Management (SAM).

g) Deliverables – The services or goods specified in this IFB and any resulting Contract that the Contractor shall perform or deliver to the HHS Agency.

h) Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) - The electronic online directory, administered by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, Statewide Procurement Division (SPD), for publishing procurement opportunities which exceed $25,000 in total estimated value and for providing public notice of contract awards. The ESBD may be accessed through the CPA web site at: https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd.

Note: The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) recommends utilizing Google Chrome when navigating CPA websites.

i) Exhibit – A document, included as an attachment to this IFB, which provides terms and conditions, additional requirements and information related to this IFB.

j) HHS Agency - HHSC or any of the agencies of the State of Texas that are overseen by HHSC under authority granted under state law and the officers, employees, authorized representatives, and designees of those agencies. These agencies include: HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), separately or combined. May also be referred to as System Agency.

k) IFB - This document, including all exhibits, attachments, appendices, or Addenda (if applicable). May also be referred to as Invitation for Bids.

l) NIGP (The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Commodity Book) – The Class-Item numbering and descriptions used by state agencies to properly code services or products for a procurement.

m) Purchase Order – A legally enforceable agreement issued by HHSC indicating types, quantities, and agreed pricing for services and goods the Contractor will provide under any Contract resulting from this IFB.

n) Response – All information and materials submitted by a Bidder in response to this IFB.

May also be referred to as Bid or Bid Response.

o) Respondent – A term interchangeable with Bidder.

p) Scope of Work – The description of requirements, services, specifications for goods which may be required, and deliverables as provided in this IFB and any resulting Contract which the Contractor is required to provide.

q) Subcontractor - Any entity or individual that enters into a contract with the Contractor to perform part or all of the obligations of the Contractor under the Contract.

r) Texas Identification Number (TIN) – The 11-digit identification number set up through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts which is required for any entity or individual to http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd

Version 1.90 Page 8 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026 receive payment under a Contract with the State of Texas. Also known as Texas Payee ID Number. Further information regarding this number may be accessed via the CPA Fiscal Management TexPayment Resource web page at:

https://fmx.cpa.texas.gov/fm/pubs/payment/gen_prov/index.php?s=payee_numreq&p =payee_numreq.

s) Unit of Measure – The set unit of measure (UOM), included on the Pricing Sheet, used for payment of the services under the Contract or Purchase Order. May be hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, etc.

t) Unit Rate – The set rate per the unit of measure (UOM) used for payment of the services, included on the Price Sheet, under the Contract or Purchase Order. May be hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, etc.

u) Vendor – A business entity or individual that supplies services or goods and may be a potential Bidder to this IFB.

6 General IFB Information

6.1 Sole Point of Contact and Communications

The HHSC PCS Sole Point of Contact for inquiries concerning this IFB is:

Vivian Harrison, CTCD, CTCM

Procurement and Contracting Services Building 1100 W 49th St. MC: 2020 Austin, TX 78756

512-406-2460

Vivian.harrison@hhs.texas.gov

Bidders shall NOT use the e-mail address above for submission of a Response to this IFB. See

Appendix A for submission requirements.

Bidders shall direct all communications, including questions or clarifications relating to this IFB, by e-mail to the HHSC PCS Sole Point of Contact named in Section 6.1 (Sole Point of Contact and Communications); communications by phone will not be accepted except for purposes such as instructing a potential Respondent through an IT system or website referenced in this Solicitation.

All other communications between a Bidder and HHS agency staff concerning this IFB are prohibited. In no instance is a Bidder to discuss cost information regarding this IFB with the HHSC PCS Sole Point of Contact or any other HHS staff. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disqualification of the Response.

The Sole Point of Contact will authorize a secondary Sole Point of Contact in the event of their absence and, in such an event, will include the contact information for the secondary Sole Point https://fmx.cpa.texas.gov/fm/pubs/payment/gen_prov/index.php?s=payee_numreq&p=payee_numreq https://fmx.cpa.texas.gov/fm/pubs/payment/gen_prov/index.php?s=payee_numreq&p=payee_numreq mailto:Vivian.harrison@hhs.texas.gov

Version 1.90 Page 9 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026 of Contact in their automatic reply out-of-office e-mail message. See also Section 6.2 (Exception to Sole Point of Contact) below.

This restriction (as to only communicating in writing with the HHSC Sole Point of Contact identified above) does not preclude discussions between Bidder and agency personnel for the purposes of conducting business unrelated to this IFB.

6.2 Exception to the Sole Point of Contact

The only exceptions to the Sole Point of Contact are the HUB Coordinator, or, if expressly directed by the Sole Point of Contact, another designated System Agency representative.

Should Bidders have questions regarding proper completion of the HUB Subcontracting Plan, the HUB Coordinator may be contacted at Cheryl.Bradley@hhs.texas.gov .The Sole Point of Contact, Section 6.1, must be copied on the e-mail.

6.3 Binding Offer Period

By submitting a Response to this IFB, Bidder agrees that its Response will remain a firm and binding offer for 240 days, as stated in the HHS Solicitation Affirmations (Exhibit A).

Bidder may extend the time for which its Response will be firm and binding and include the extended period in the Response.

6.4 Costs Incurred

Bidder understands that issuance of this IFB or retention of responses in no way constitutes a commitment by HHSC to award a Contract. HHSC accepts no obligations for costs incurred in preparing and submitting a response, including, but not limited to, preparing for or participating in a vendor conference or site visit.

Responses shall be submitted at the sole expense of the Bidder. All responses shall be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of the Bidder’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this IFB.

6.5 Changes, Modifications and Cancellation

HHSC reserves the right to change, amend, or modify this IFB prior to the Response Deadline indicated in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this IFB). Changes, amendments, and modifications will be processed through one or more Addendum. The notification for any Addendum will be processed in accordance with Section 6.8.

HHSC reserves the right to cancel this IFB at any time. The notice of cancellation will be in accordance with Section 6.8.

mailto:Cheryl.Bradley@hhs.texas.gov

Version 1.90 Page 10 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

6.6 Ambiguity, Conflict, Discrepancy

Bidders must notify the Sole Point of Contact, Section 6.1, of any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, exclusionary specification, omission, or other error in the IFB in the manner and by the deadline for submitting questions.

If Bidder fails to properly and timely notify the Sole Point of Contact, Section 6.1, of any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, exclusionary specification, omission or other error in the IFB, the Bidder, whether awarded a contract or not:

a) shall have waived any claim of error or ambiguity in the IFB and any resulting contract,

b) shall not contest the interpretation by HHSC of such provision(s), and

c) shall not be entitled to additional compensation, relief, or time by reason of ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, exclusionary specification, omission, or other error or its later correction.

6.7 IFB Questions or Clarifications

HHSC will allow questions and requests for clarification regarding this IFB if submitted by e-mail to the Sole Point of Contact, Section 6.1, by the deadline established in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this IFB) or deadlines established in subsequent Addenda. Responses to questions or other written requests for clarification will not be provided individually to requestors but will be consolidated in one or more Addenda.

HHSC reserves the right to amend the answers to questions or clarifications prior to the Response Deadline (cover page of this IFB) through a new Addendum. The notification will be processed in accordance with Section 6.8 (Notification of Addenda or Cancellation).

6.7.1 Submission of Questions or Clarifications

All questions and requests for clarification must be submitted by e-mail and include the following information:

a) IFB Number and Title of IFB (cover page of this IFB) must be included in the e-mail subject line and in the e-mail body;

b) Section or Paragraph number from this IFB;

c) Page Number of this IFB;

d) Exhibit name, Section or Paragraph, page number from the Exhibit;

e) Language, Topic, Section Heading being questioned or requested for clarification;

f) Requestor Contact Information must be included in the body of the e-mail.

Version 1.90 Page 11 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

Questions or requests for clarification received after the deadline set in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this IFB), or deadlines established in subsequent Addenda, may be reviewed by HHSC but will not be answered.

6.8 Notification of Addenda or Cancellation

6.8.1 Addenda Notification

All addenda will be posted to the ESBD. It is the responsibility of each potential Bidder to monitor the ESBD for any Addenda affecting this IFB. Failure to check the ESBD will in no way release any potential Bidder or awarded Contractor from the requirements of posted Addenda.

No HHS Agency will be responsible or liable in any regard for the failure of any Bidder or awarded Contractor to stay informed of all postings to the ESBD. If the Bidder fails to monitor the ESBD for any changes or modifications to this IFB, such failure will not relieve the Bidder or Contractor of its obligation to fulfill the requirements as posted.

Bidder must acknowledge receipt of any addenda by signing and returning SOLICITATION ADDENDUM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM posted to the ESBD with your solicitation response in accordance with the submission options outlined in the solicitation.

6.8.2 Cancellation Notification

HHSC reserves the right to cancel this IFB at any time. Notice of the cancellation will be posted on the ESBD. Bidders are responsible for monitoring the ESBD frequently for notices regarding this IFB.

7 Scope of Work (SOW)

7.1 Scope of Services to be Performed

a) Contractor shall provide storage facilities (climate and non-climate controlled) in San Antonio, Texas, for medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and materials for new and existing DSHS inventory, received from various entities related to a public health emergency response, training, and/or exercise. Contractor shall perform typical warehouse activities to include receiving incoming goods, storing them in designated areas, picking items from storage to fulfill orders, packing picked items for shipment, and shipping the final packages to a destination, as directed by DSHS.

b) Upon notification by the DSHS State Medical Operations Center (SMOC), contractor will provide transportation of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and/or materials related to the event. Transportation of inventory will coincide with a public health emergency event but could be deployed or moved at other times for other reasons as designated and activated by DSHS. Contractor will be reimbursed for labor and costs associated with deployment or movement of materials. During an activation movement of inventory, as the result of a public health emergency event or otherwise requested by DSHS, the contractor will be reimbursed for labor and costs associated with the

Version 1.90 Page 12 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026 activation or movement of requested inventory using the pricing rates in the Cost/Pricing Exhibit.

c) Contractor shall bear all costs associated with transporting all existing inventory from the current facility to its storage facility, as applicable. Once the contract is awarded to the vendor, if different than the incumbent vendor, the awarded contractor shall bear the costs associated with movement of the inventory from the current storage facility to the awarded vendors storage facility. In addition, for any movement that occurs between multiple storage locations, if applicable, the contractor shall bear costs for moving inventory between storage locations. If the contractor moves warehouses during the period of the contract, the contractor shall bear the costs associated with movement of inventory.

d) Contractor must ensure adequate and necessary warehouse and operations staffing to provide 24-hour services every day for the life of the contract.

e) Contractor must adhere to and abide by all federal, state, and local laws and must adhere to and abide by the 49 United States Code 31301,

f) Contractor Facility General Requirements:

i. Minimum 10,000 square feet of climate-controlled space maintained between 59- and 86-degrees Fahrenheit, with the ability to stack up to 16 feet high for the following:

a. Medical Supplies

b. Pharmaceuticals

ii. Minimum of 25,000 square feet of non-climate-controlled space with the ability to stack up to 16 feet high for the following:

a. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

b. General medical supplies

c. Other materials as directed by DSHS

iii. Contractor shall keep the structure and facility clean, secure, and in good order.

iv. Facility must be located within the Bexar County limits.

v. Contractor shall have protective measures in place, creating barriers and altering the environment to prevent pests (insects and rodents) from entering and thriving. An integrated pest management strategy is required with bid responses, with additional information on measures to be taken for both climate controlled and non-climate-controlled areas where pharmaceuticals are stored.

vi. Contractor must have measures in place as directed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard to address chemical and mechanical hazards.

vii. Facility must be accessible in all weather conditions.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title49/subtitle6/partB/chapter313&edition=prelim

Version 1.90 Page 13 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

viii. Facility must provide five (5) or more loading docks between forty-eight (48) inches and fifty (50) inches high. The facility shall have dock doors with a standard height of one hundred (100) inches wide by fourteen (14) feet high.

ix. Facility must have dock area of at least six hundred (600) square feet of obstacle-free space for movement of material handling equipment without blocking traffic.

x. Facility must provide a driveway to the docks to accommodate a fifty-three (53) foot trailer with eleven (11) foot tracker and that allows for an adequate turning radius.

xi. Facility must have hard-surfaced floors free of holes.

xii. Facility must have adequate power with back-up electricity and lighting (to be confirmed during site visit by DSHS). Bidders must submit a Disaster Recovery Plan and Business Continuity Plan with responses.

xiii. Facility must have one (1) office that can accommodate up to eight (8) people within one hundred (100) feet of storage facility, for use by DSHS staff, as needed.

xiv. Facility must have bathrooms that are well supplied and maintained in clean and sanitary conditions, for use by DSHS staff, as needed.

xv. Facility must provide three large portable industrial fans for DSHS personnel accessing inventory in the warehouse when inside ambient temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

xvi. Facility will store pallets and inventory in a manner to ensure easy accessibility by DSHS personnel throughout the contract term. Easy accessibility is defined as enough space to allow a person to have access to each pallet in the warehouse.

DSHS inventory will be stored in a manner that allows for DSHS staff to visibly see and ascertain what the pallet contains and allows for a forklift to access the pallet(s) and move them. Non-DSHS inventory should not be intermingled with DSHS inventory. Rows where DSHS inventory is stored should be kept clear of any obstacles.

g) Contractor Facility Security Requirements

i. Facility shall:

a. Have operating exterior lighting

b. Have operating and up-to-date/regularly inspected fire detection/suppression system that meets National Fire Protection (NFPA) standards.

c. Have operating security alarm system that is monitored by either the contractor or local law enforcement.

d. Have all exterior doors equipped with cylinder locks, deadbolts or solid locks and hasps, or electronic badge access system.

Version 1.90 Page 14 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

e. Ensure all entry points including windows, roof openings (doors, skylights, etc.)

are securely fastened or locked from the inside.

f. Provide additional security personnel or other security measures if required during a special event.

h) Pharmaceutical Storage and Transportation Requirements

i. Contractor must ensure cold-chain integrity, according to manufacturers’ guidelines, during the storage and transport of all climate-controlled inventory.

Cold-chain integrity refers to a temperature-controlled supply chain to include transportation and storage in which there is an uninterrupted series of storage and distribution activities which maintain a given temperature range. Cold-chain integrity requires a temperature monitoring method to include alerts for variance of temperature outside the prescribed range.

i) Contractor Personnel Requirements:

i. Sign a confidential agreement and ensure all staff adhere to the agreement.

Warehouse may be stocked with mass prophylaxis that must be secured and whose location must be kept confidential. Location and inventory must not be communicated to the public.

ii. Coordinate warehouse management and transportation plans in collaboration with DSHS. Contractor will discuss and develop these plans with DSHS Logistics Specialist or designee within 30 days of award of contract. These plans will detail the concept of operation for management of the inventory and the process on receiving and shipping inventory out of the warehouse.

iii. Promptly notify DSHS Logistics Specialist, via phone call, of any damage, loss, or irregularities regarding DSHS inventory. Email follow-up should be sent to DSHS documenting the specifics of the damage, loss, or irregularities.

iv. Participate in meetings, training, and/or exercises with DSHS at least once during the term of the contract. Meetings, training, and exercise dates will be provided by DSHS when scheduled or as applicable.

v. Provide personnel to operate two (2) fork-lifts and manage materials for receipt of multiple tractor-trailers and multiple daily shipments.

vi. Allow DSHS personnel and/or personnel designated by DSHS access to the facility at all times (24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year). Contractor will be notified by phone or email from the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) or the DSHS Logistics Specialist when access will be needed and for them to open the facility.

vii. Possess and utilize an inventory management system to track incoming and outgoing medical supplies and materials. Inventory management system will track inventory from receipt to warehouse storage to shipping and to final destination. System should include a barcoding or similar type of system to mark

Version 1.90 Page 15 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026 and track equipment pallets. System should be capable of generating inventory reports of items stored in warehouse, inventory received, and inventory shipped at any given time. There is no requirement for the system to automatically reorder inventory as inventory is shipped out.

viii. Provide warehouse oversight and identify a primary and alternate Point of Contact (POC) who can provide immediate status updates and counts on the product, including using an inventory management system to track location, expiration, type and quantity of inventory. This system must employ contractor’s picking, packing and shipping methods.

ix. Conduct and provide inventory of all palleted supplies to and with DSHS on an annual basis, starting 90 days from the contract execution date. For bagged items, such as medical bus bags, and comfort kits, the contractor is required to maintain an inventory of the actual bags, not the specific items located inside of each bag.

x. Have the ability and available personnel to build pallets for shipment upon request from DSHS. Contractor will have the ability to pull inventory from separate pallets to assemble custom pallets as requested by DSHS. Pallet build and shipment will take no more than 4 hours from request.

xi. In coordination with DSHS and DSHS designated third party(ies), contractor will assist in the disposal of expired inventory as directed by DSHS. Assistance will include allowing DSHS designated third party access to facility as directed by DSHS, movement of pallets from storage area to warehouse docks and then onto third party vehicles. Assistance in marking of pallets to be disposed of, in coordination with DSHS and third party.

xii. DSHS will coordinate with the Contractor when other parties need access to the warehouse. DSHS will notify the Contractor with names of who will come in and when that will occur.

j) Contractor Personnel Requirements - Responding to an Event

i. Upon activation by the DSHS SMOC Director or his/her designee to respond to an event:

a. Contractor shall provide adequate and necessary staff, drivers, trucks, and equipment available to receive, stage, and ship medical supplies and materials anywhere within the State of Texas or neighboring states as directed by DSHS within twelve (12) hours of receiving the activation notification from DSHS.

b. Facility must be able to operate twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, until notification from DSHS that the event is completed.

c. Contractor personnel must be available to operate facility twenty-four

(24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, until event completion.

Version 1.90 Page 16 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

d. Contractor must have the ability to load and deploy three (3), fifty-three

(53) foot tractor trailers with inventory within one (1) hour.

k) Equipment Requirements

i. Contractor shall provide the quantities of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and supplies when requested by DSHS personnel. MHE and supplies include but are not limited to:

a. Pallet Jack

b. Fork Lift

c. Hand Truck/dolly

d. Pallets

e. Shrink wrap

7.1.1 Service Location(s)

HHS, at its sole discretion, with a 30 days’ advance written notice, reserves the right to change, consolidate, delete or add service locations.

a) Location(s) for Services

San Antonio, Texas

HHS Region 8

The Map (PDF) of the HHS Regions may be accessed at:

https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/about-hhs/hhs-regional-map.pdf

b) Changes to service location(s) include but are not limited to: new office space within facility, office closure, consolidation of multiple offices increasing or decreasing square footage, expansion of an office into multiple offices, and relocation of office.

7.1.2 Performance Schedule

Contractor shall perform contracted services, including any minor adjustment call-back services, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Central Time). Contractor shall not interfere with normal flow of HHS Agency business at the service location. When services are requested as the result of an activation due to a public health event, Contractor will perform services as requested Sunday through Saturday, 24 hours a day, until they are complete to the satisfaction of the HHS Agency.

Contractor must acknowledge and respond to requests within a maximum of four (4) hours for emergencies, which DSHS will determine and identify. Response time for non-emergencies is twenty-four (24) hours. These requests will consist of routine storage service requests covered within the Scope of Work. Response Deadline is extended by the HHS Agency Contract Manager.

https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/about-hhs/hhs-regional-map.pdf

Version 1.90 Page 17 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

7.1.3 Services Outside Regular Business Hours

Any services performed outside of regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m Central Time), outside of emergency situations prescribed by DSHS, must be requested and/or approved in writing by the HHS Agency Contract Manager and must be invoiced at the rate stated in Exhibit C – Pricing Sheet.

Services performed outside of the regular service hours without prior approval, will be at Contractor’s own risk and will be billed at the established rate stated in Exhibit C – Pricing Sheet

Emergencies: The HHS Agency reserves the right to declare any necessary work within the Scope of Services to be an emergency during regular service hours or outside regular service hours, outside of emergency situations prescribed by DSHS, and will request emergency services in writing. Contractor shall respond to emergency calls within a maximum of four (4) hours of notification and continue work until the services requested are complete to the satisfaction of the HHS Agency.

7.1.4 State Holidays

The state holidays observed are maintained by the State Auditor’s Office and may be accessed at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays. HHS Agency does not require services to be performed on the “All agencies closed” holidays and any exception will be provided in writing to the Contractor. HHS Agency requires services to be performed for “Optional Holidays” or “Skeleton Crew Required” holidays.

To fulfill the required services, as applicable, the Contractor may perform the services on a holiday observed by HHS at NO additional expense to the HHS Agency.

Authorized services performed by Contractor on a state holiday will be invoiced at the Contract rate for Outside Regular Hours.

7.1.5 Minimum Experience and Qualifications

These minimum requirements apply to the Contractor and Contractor’s personnel and any Subcontractor and Subcontractor’s personnel.

Bidder shall submit documentation of experience and qualifications with Response, if requested in Exhibit C– Pricing Sheet.

a) The Bidder shall have relevant experience required for the performance of the services as outlined in this IFB. The minimum experience required is three (3) years, and experience must include storing supplies and equipment, and deploying supplies and equipment.

b) The Bidder’s personnel to be assigned to perform the services must be fully trained and, at minimum, have three (3) years’ relevant experience.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays

Version 1.90 Page 18 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

c) All Contractor or Subcontractor personnel assigned to perform the services must be at least 18 years of age.

d) The Bidder must provide a minimum of three (3) verifiable references for current or previous contracts of the same size and for similar or same services within the last two

(2) years in Exhibit D – Bidder Reference and Contractor Qualifications Form and return with Response.

7.1.6 HHS Agency Responsibilities

a) The HHS Agency will provide reasonable access to the facility(s) and property where services are to be performed.

b) The HHS Agency will provide keys or electronic door access cards in sufficient number for the Contractor key personnel assigned to perform the services. In no case shall the Contractor or Subcontractors make duplicates of any issued keys or access cards. The Contractor may be required to reimburse the HHS Agency for replacement costs for any lost keys or access cards or for those not returned at the expiration of the Contract.

c) The HHS Agency will provide secure storage space for Contractor supplies, etc.

7.1.7 Contractor Responsibilities

The Contractor(s) is solely responsible for the performance of all services and requirements referenced in Section 7.1, Scope of Work and this IFB.

Contractor will not be relieved of its obligations for any nonperformance by its employees or Subcontractor(s).

a) The Contractor shall furnish all labor, tools, transportation, equipment, materials, and supplies, as necessary, to perform the services and/or provide the goods, as required.

b) The Contractor shall be responsible for supervision of its employees and Subcontractor employees, together with clean up and proper disposal of any site work waste.

c) The Contractor shall comply with all federal, state and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, and the orders and decrees of any court or administrative bodies or tribunals in any matter affecting the performance of the Contract including, if applicable, workers’ compensation laws, minimum and maximum salary and wage statutes and regulations, and licensing laws and regulations.

d) Training for Contractor Employees:

All Contractor employees, and Subcontractor’s employees, if applicable, assigned to perform the services, must be trained and experienced in the type of work to be performed. The Contractor shall provide adequate training to all personnel assigned to perform the services on the roles, responsibilities, and technical aspects of the work.

The Contractor shall only provide and allow trained and qualified personnel to perform the required services under the Contract.

Version 1.90 Page 19 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

The Contractor is required to provide current copies of the completed training(s) and of the license or accreditation certificate related to the training upon request by the HHS Agency Contract Manager. This requirement also applies to Subcontractor(s) and Subcontractor’s personnel who may be used in the performance of services.

7.1.8 Independent Contractor

It is understood and agreed by the HHS Agency and the Contractor that the Contractor is retained as an independent Contractor and in no event shall any employee hired by the Contractor be considered an employee of the State.

a) The Contractor shall not allow any visitors, spouses, children or other relatives of the Contractor’s or Subcontractor’s employees to be on state property in connection with the Contract during working hours.

b) The Contractor shall be responsible for all employment taxes and other payroll withholding for its employees.

c) The Contractor shall be responsible and liable for the safety and health of its personnel while they are performing work for an HHS agency and while on the HHS Agency premises.

d) The Contractor shall be responsible for verifying that all of its employees assigned to perform services under the Contract are in compliance with all requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, which became effective November 6, 1986, and any subsequent amendments.

e) The Contractor shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system during the term of the contract to determine eligibility of (A) all persons employed by the Contractor to perform duties within Texas; and (B) all persons, including subcontractors, assigned by the Contractor to perform work pursuant to the contract within the United States of America.

f) The Contractor and the assigned Contractor employees or the Contractor’s Subcontractor and Subcontractor employees assigned to perform the services must have all applicable permits, licenses, accreditations, and insurance coverage.

7.1.9 Contractor Equipment

The Contractor shall be responsible for the security, maintenance, loss or damage to its equipment or its Subcontractor’s equipment while on HHS Agency premises.

HHS Agency will NOT be responsible for damage to or loss of the Contractor’s or Subcontractor’s equipment.

7.1.10 Background Check for Personnel

Version 1.90 Page 20 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

The Contractor or an independent third party may need to conduct comprehensive, statewide Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) criminal and sex offender background checks on all Contractor personnel (e.g., permanent and temporary personnel and/or Subcontractor and Subcontractor personnel) who will be assigned to perform the services under the Contract.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all background check expenses.

The background checks must be conducted prior to any Contractor or Subcontractor personnel arriving on state property and beginning the required Contract services.

Supporting documentation confirming the completion of the background checks is subject to review upon request by the HHS Agency. Failure to produce the requested documentation, as with any violation of the Contract, constitutes grounds for termination of the Contract with cause.

The background checks shall include, but not be limited to, Social Security Number Verification.

Statewide criminal and sex offender records shall include, but not be limited to, all Texas counties and out-of-state counties based on the current and previous addresses of the key personnel for the last seven years.

Personnel with sex offender, child or adult abuse, or fraud convictions shall not be allowed to provide Contract services and shall not be allowed access to HHS Agency property, facilities, or documents in connection with the Contract.

Assigned personnel with misdemeanor convictions must receive prior approval by the HHS Agency before being allowed to work under this Contract.

7.1.11 Absenteeism and Vacation

The Contractor shall provide substitutes for any of its employees or Subcontractor’s employees providing services at the HHS facility who may be absent for any reason. The Contractor shall provide relief personnel as necessary and/or work overtime at no cost to the HHS Agency, to ensure that the requirements of this Contract are performed and accomplished as required.

7.1.12 Telephone Service

The Contractor shall have an active telephone service answered during normal business hours.

Normal business hours are between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, unless otherwise stated in the IFB.

7.1.13 24-Hour Contact

The Contractor must provide the HHS Agency Contract Manager with 24-hour contact information for a minimum of two (2) Contractor personnel so the HHS Agency may communicate urgent performance issues that require immediate correction or any other issues that may occur. The Contractor’s 24-hour contact must always be available. Any urgent performance issues requiring immediate correction will be followed up in writing by the HHS Agency Contract Manager.

Version 1.90 Page 21 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

7.1.14 Contractor and Contractor Personnel Conduct

All personnel employed by the Contractor to fulfill the requirements and terms and conditions of the Contract remain under the Contractor’s sole direction and control.

The following applies to the Contractor, Contractor employees, and, if applicable, the Contractor’s Subcontractor and Subcontractor’s employees.

7.1.14.1 Performance Compliance

While performing the services, all Contractor and Subcontractor personnel must comply with all applicable state rules, regulations, and HHS Agency’s requests regarding personal and professional conduct applicable to the services being provided as well as the service locations.

All personnel must always conduct themselves in a businesslike and professional manner.

If the HHS Agency determines that an employee of the Contractor or Subcontractor is not conducting himself or herself in accordance with the conduct standards under this Contract, the HHS Agency may provide written notice to the Contractor. Upon receipt of such notice, Contractor must promptly investigate the matter and take appropriate action that may include:

a) Removing the employee from the project;

b) Providing the HHS Agency with written notice of such removal; and

c) Providing the HHS Agency with the information for the replacement employee, who must be qualified and trained, within the timeline designated by the HHS Agency.

7.1.14.2 Contractor Supervisor(s) and Performance Monitoring

The Contractor shall provide competent supervisor(s) if the service location is at an HHS Agency facility. A Supervisor may be considered a roving Supervisor to monitor more than one location with approval from the HHS Agency Contract Manager.

All supervisors must be able to communicate in English verbally and in writing. The supervisor shall be knowledgeable of the Statement of Work (SOW) and requirements of the Contract.

The Contractor and the supervisors shall continuously monitor and maintain awareness, by personal inspection, of the quality and completeness of the work being performed. The Contractor and supervisor may be requested and required to inspect the HHS Agency facility with the HHS Agency Contract Manager or designee.

7.1.14.3 Personnel Removal and Replacement

a) Removal

The HHS Agency may request removal for cause of any Contractor or Subcontractor employee assigned to the Contract, including but not limited to:

1. poor or unacceptable work performance, Version 1.90 Page 22 of 43 Revised 01/21/2026

2. theft,

3. abusive language or behavior, or

4. improper attire, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract.

Occurrences of this type may be cause for termination of the Contract.

b) Replacement

Replacement of Contractor or Subcontractor personnel will be subject to HHS Agency review and approval. At the request of the HHS Agency, the Contractor must replace any Contractor or Subcontractor personnel who are not adequately performing the required services or who are unable to work effectively with the HHS Agency Contract Manager or other HHS staff. The Contractor shall provide replacement personnel who have the required qualifications and training as outlined in this IFB and resulting Contract. The Contractor and HHS Agency Contract Manager will work together in the event of any such required replacement to prevent disruption in the services or performance schedule and will mutually agree upon the timeline for the replacement.

7.1.14.4 Intoxicants and Illegal Drugs Prohibited

The use or possession of any kind of intoxicants or illegal drugs by Contractor (or any of its Subcontractors) employees while on duty at HHS Agency premises, including the building and grounds, is prohibited. At the sole discretion of the HHS Agency, non-compliance with this requirement may result in termination of the Contract.

7.1.14.5 Smoking Prohibited

All HHS Agency facilities are nonsmoking buildings. Contractor’s and Subcontractor’s employees are prohibited from smoking in all non-designated areas.

7.1.14.6 Contractor Uniforms and Identification

All Contractor and Subcontractor employees are required to wear company uniforms and identifying badges while providing services in or delivering to HHS Agency premises.

Uniforms may be company shirts or T-shirts, smocks, and pants or shorts. The Contractor shall contact the HHS Agency Contract Manager to request approval for the use of other apparel.

The Contractor’s or Subcontractor’s uniform apparel must be of one standard color or design.

The Contractor’s or Subcontractor’s on-site managers or supervisors may wear a distinguishing style of uniform but should strive to maintain a company “standard color” to aid in identification.

All Contractor and Subcontractor personnel must prominently display their company identification badges or the company name and employee’s name…