DSHS Lab Culture media

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) division is conducting a formal Invitation for Bids (IFB) for culture media supplies for the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Lab. The solicitation, numbered HHS0016213v4, seeks competitive bids to establish a contract for culture media used to test water, dairy, shellfish, and food samples. The procurement will result in a blanket purchase order where items are released only upon request by authorized DSHS staff, with an anticipated contract start date of September 1, 2025. The bid requires vendors to submit firm, fixed pricing for 17 specific line items of laboratory culture media products, using the provided Pricing Sheet (Exhibit C), which includes various media types such as Phosphate Buffered Saline, Cooked Meat Medium, Nutrient Broth, and specialized agar media. The response deadline is August 12, 2025, and the historical spend for similar goods is $36,344.09 for the period from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026. The award will be made to the bidder providing the best value to the State of Texas, considering factors like meeting specifications, performance capabilities, and pricing.

While a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan is not mandatory, bidders are encouraged to submit one if subcontracting opportunities are identified. The solicitation requires vendors to complete and submit Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations) and Exhibit D (Online Bid Room Information), with failure to do so potentially resulting in bid disqualification. Vendors must register for the Enterprise Portal, which can take up to five business days to receive login credentials, and use a unique email address for the HHS Online Bid Room access. The contract allows for potential price adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for contract renewals, with HHSC retaining sole discretion on approving such adjustments. Bidders must comply with numerous state regulations, including anti-discrimination laws, E-Verify requirements, and specific prohibitions on boycotts and certain telecommunications services. The solicitation emphasizes that late submissions will not be accepted, and technical difficulties during the optional online submission process cannot be used as grounds for protesting a contract award.