DSHS seeks refrigerator and freezer maint services

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), procuring on behalf of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), is requesting bids for preventative maintenance and repair services on walk-in refrigeration and freezer units at the DSHS Pharmacy Central Pharmacy Warehouse in Austin, Texas under IFB HHS0017236, with bids due July 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM Central Time and questions due July 6 at 1:00 PM Central Time.

The scope covers scheduled inspections, coil and condenser cleaning, refrigerant level checking, temperature control calibration, door seal and hinge inspection, mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repairs, component replacement, emergency repair services, temperature range monitoring, and comprehensive documentation for two Bally walk-in freezers and four Bally walk-in refrigerators (each 9'-8" × 9'-8" × 8'-6"). Contractors must respond to routine service calls within 48–72 hours and emergency calls within 24 hours, with services performed Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time unless approved otherwise in writing. Services outside regular hours are invoiced at a separate rate.

Minimum qualifications include five years of relevant refrigeration maintenance experience for the contractor and assigned personnel, with a minimum of three verifiable references for similar contracts within the past five years. Contractors must utilize E-Verify for employment eligibility verification, provide 24-hour contact information for at least two personnel, conduct background checks on assigned staff, and maintain company uniforms and identification badges. Commercial general liability, commercial automobile liability, professional liability, and umbrella liability insurance coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence is required, along with workers' compensation coverage.

The initial contract term runs September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, with three optional one-year renewal periods and one additional extension option of up to one year, all at HHSC's sole discretion. Pricing must be firm and fixed, submitted on Exhibit C with unit rates. Price adjustments may be permitted only at HHSC's discretion, correlated to CPI-W or CPI-U, or based on Federal Minimum Wage increases. Award will be made on best value to the State of Texas, not necessarily the lowest price. Addendum responses are posted July 8, 2026.