Freezer, Refrigerator and Ultra Cold Storage for Health and Human Services

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has issued Request for Bids (RFB) 005-RFB-1458-2025 for specialized freezer, refrigerator, and ultra-cold storage equipment, with the solicitation opening on December 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM CST and closing on December 30, 2024, at 1:00 PM CST. The procurement seeks specific laboratory storage units, including one full-size double glass door NSF 456 certified vaccine refrigerator with approximately 45 cu ft capacity, two solid door upright freezers for labs with approximately 56 cu ft capacity, and two upright ultra-cold freezers with approximately 26 cu ft capacity. All equipment must be NSF 456 certified and delivered to the department's new response warehouse located at 1901 Bell Ave, Suite 12, Des Moines, Iowa 50315, with 24-hour advance delivery notice required. The bid will be awarded by line item under FOB Destination with Freight Prepaid terms, using commodity code 41558 for specialized laboratory refrigeration equipment. The procurement contact is Randy Bennett, who can be reached at randy.bennett@iowa.gov or +1 515-322-1210, and bidders should be prepared for potential payment through the state's Purchasing Card Program.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on bidder types were explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. The state allows a standard 60-day invoice payment period in accordance with Iowa Code 8A.514, which provides flexibility for potential vendors. While no incumbent vendors were identified, the procurement appears to be a standard equipment replacement or expansion initiative for the Department of Health and Human Services' laboratory facilities. The total estimated value of the equipment procurement is not directly specified, but based on the specialized nature and multiple unit requirements, the budget likely ranges between $50,000 to $150,000. Interested vendors should carefully review the full RFB documentation to ensure complete compliance with technical specifications, delivery requirements, and NSF 456 certification standards. Potential bidders are encouraged to submit clarifying questions to Randy Bennett prior to the submission deadline to ensure accurate and competitive proposal preparation.