Hepatitis/HIV/Syphilis 4th Gen Assay Screening and Instrument IFB

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a comprehensive HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis Screening Assay and Instrumentation contract, solicitation number 25-482DPH-OFCDI-B-47043. The procurement seeks a fully automated combination screening technology capable of performing multiple diagnostic tests, including Hepatitis B antigen and antibody, Hepatitis C antibody, HIV-1/HIV-2 antigen and antibody, and Syphilis antibody testing. The contract requires a single instrument that can process all specified assays using the same sample, with estimated annual test volumes of approximately 3,300 Hepatitis B tests, 3,000 Hepatitis C tests, 13,200 HIV tests, and 11,000 Syphilis tests. Key requirements include providing FDA-approved test kits with at least six months of shelf life, maintaining instrumentation with preventive maintenance and repair services, and offering bi-directional interface capabilities compatible with the IDPH laboratory information management system (STARLIMS). Vendors must submit electronic bids through the BidBuy system by April 28, 2025, with all questions and clarifications to be submitted in writing by April 29, 2025, at 2:00 pm. The bid must remain firm for 180 days from opening, and the state will award to the lowest-priced responsive and responsible bidder.

The procurement has several important restrictions and considerations for potential vendors. Subcontracting is not allowed, and all services must be performed in the United States, with a preference for US-manufactured items. Vendors must have an active and unexpired registration in the Illinois Procurement Gateway with a unique State of Illinois Vendor Registration Number, and must complete the Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG) Active Registered Vendor Disclosure form. The contract includes potential set-aside considerations, such as tax credits for hiring qualified veterans and ex-offenders, and compliance with minority contractor initiatives. The initial contract term is five years with the potential for up to five additional years of renewal. While specific budget ranges were not explicitly detailed, the contract will be a firm-priced agreement with no additional charges for test volume variations, and the total maximum payments for the initial term will be specified prior to contract execution. Vendors must be prepared to provide comprehensive support, including installation, training, maintenance, and technical support, with extended technical support and software updates required throughout the contract period.