HHS0016075 Media Preparation produces testing

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are conducting a formal Invitation for Bids (IFB) No. HHS0016075 for media preparation and testing materials for the Texas Public Health Lab. The procurement seeks competitive bids for 74 specific chemicals and reagents, with a critical requirement that all items must have at least one year before expiration. The solicitation was posted on May 19, 2025, with questions due by May 27, 2025, and bid responses due by June 16, 2025, at 10:30 AM. The anticipated contract term is from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, with potential for four one-year renewal options extending through August 31, 2030. Evaluation criteria will focus on providing the best value to the State of Texas, considering factors such as meeting specifications, performance delivery capabilities, and pricing. The agency reserves the right to make single or multiple awards and does not guarantee any specific purchase volume. Bidders must provide firm, fixed prices for the contract duration, with potential price adjustments correlated to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) during renewal periods.

The solicitation includes a mandatory Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan requirement, with a specific HUB utilization goal of 21.1%. All respondents, including certified HUBs, must complete a detailed HUB Subcontracting Plan demonstrating good faith efforts to subcontract with HUB vendors. The historical spend for similar goods is $170,076.45 over four years, though this does not represent a guaranteed contract value. Contractors must comply with extensive state-mandated provisions, including anti-discrimination policies, E-Verify program participation, and restrictions on doing business with entities that boycott certain industries. The procurement requires comprehensive documentation, including completed Solicitation Affirmations, Pricing Sheets, and various compliance certifications. Potential contractors must meet rigorous ethical, legal, and operational standards, with potential consequences for non-compliance including bid disqualification or debarment from state contracting for up to five years. Electronic bid submission is mandatory, with a two-step registration process required for the HHS Online Bid Room.