HHS0016213 DSHS Lab Culture media

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB No. HHS0016213) for laboratory culture media to be used in testing water, dairy, shellfish, and food samples at the DSHS Lab. The procurement seeks to establish a blanket purchase order for 18 distinct line items of specialized laboratory media, including Phosphate Buffered Saline and various agar media types, with quantities ranging from 12-140 packages. The solicitation was posted on May 27, 2025, with bid responses due by June 10, 2025, and an anticipated contract start date of September 1, 2025. Bidders will be evaluated on factors including meeting specifications, performance delivery capabilities, past performance, financial capability, and price, with the award going to the vendor providing the best value to the State of Texas. The contract includes provisions for potential one-year extension and requires firm, fixed pricing for the entire contract period. Bidders must complete and submit multiple required documents, including the Exhibit A HHS Solicitation Affirmations, Exhibit C Pricing Sheet, and comply with extensive legal and operational certifications.

The procurement does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the solicitation documents include comprehensive anti-discrimination and equal opportunity provisions. Potential bidders must comply with numerous state-specific regulations, including restrictions related to abortion funding, Israel boycott limitations, and specific employment practices. The historical spend for similar goods is approximately $36,344.09 for the period from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026, though this does not guarantee future procurement volumes. Vendors must navigate a two-step registration process for the Enterprise Portal, which can take up to five business days to complete, and must use a unique email address for registration. The contract includes rigorous compliance requirements, such as cybersecurity training, legal standing certifications, and detailed disclosure of business practices. Potential bidders may be disqualified for unsatisfactory vendor performance history, and the procurement emphasizes comprehensive vendor vetting to ensure optimal service delivery for the DSHS laboratory operations.