HHS0015962 VC APS ONE Automatic Plate Pourer

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are seeking to procure a VC APS ONE Automatic Plate Pourer through a formal Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation. The procurement involves a specialized laboratory instrument with specific technical requirements, including an integrated plate cooling system, a 10L agar/560 plate capacity carousel, and the ability to stack up to 40 plates per carousel. The device must be compatible with a Linx 8900/8910 ink jet printer and capable of dispensing both 55-60mm and 90-100mm plates at a rate of at least 500 ~20ml plates per hour. Key deliverables include the complete plate pourer system with multiple kit components, such as AESMN8500-KIT for 55MM plates and additional support kits. The solicitation was posted on April 14, 2025, with questions due by April 21, 2025, and bid responses required by April 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Award will be based on best value to the state, considering factors like specification compliance, performance delivery requirements, and pricing. Bidders must submit comprehensive documentation, including Exhibit A HHS Solicitation Affirmations, Exhibit C Bid Execution Page, and Exhibit D Pricing Sheet, with failure to provide any document resulting in bid disqualification.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, but requires strict compliance with numerous legal and regulatory standards. Vendors must complete over 60 legal representations and warranties, including verification of no felony criminal convictions, adherence to state and federal procurement laws, and compliance with various ethical and business practice requirements. The historical spend for similar goods is $52,103.71, though this serves only as a guideline for potential bidders. The contract includes provisions for potential price adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index and allows for a one-year extension option subject to funding availability. Vendors must demonstrate compliance with anti-discrimination laws, E-Verify employment verification, cybersecurity training requirements, and restrictions on doing business with entities that boycott certain industries. The anticipated contract start date is May 1, 2025, with both HHSC and DSHS entitled to utilize the resulting contract. Pricing must be submitted as firm, fixed prices for the contract's duration, and the state reserves the right to reject any or all responses.