IFB_HHS0016248_Linen and Mop Supply Services for El Paso Psychiatric

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) HHS0016248 for linen and mop supply services for the El Paso Psychiatric Center. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide daily and weekly linen services, including pickup of soiled linens and delivery of clean linens, covering white linens such as pillowcases, sheets, thermal blankets, towels, washcloths, and microfiber mop heads. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of five years of relevant experience and provide three verifiable references to qualify. The contract requires specific laundering standards, including washing linens at 160F, rinsing with fabric softener, and performing quarterly microbiological inspections. The solicitation was posted on July 14, 2025, with vendor questions due by July 18, 2025, and bid responses due by August 6, 2025. The initial contract term will run from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2029, with potential extension options for up to one additional year. Evaluation criteria will focus on the bidder's ability to meet specifications, performance delivery requirements, and pricing, with the award going to the vendor providing the best value to the State of Texas.

The procurement includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan with a 26.0% HUB utilization goal, requiring contractors to provide opportunities to historically underutilized businesses. Vendors must develop and submit a HUB Subcontracting Plan demonstrating good faith efforts to include HUB vendors, which can be accomplished through methods such as using only HUB subcontractors, participating in a Mentor-Protege Program, or meeting specified contract goals. The historical spend for similar services is $432,000 for the period from September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2025, indicating the potential scale of the contract. Contractors must provide notice to Texas certified HUB vendors and trade organizations about subcontracting opportunities, with specific requirements for notification and documentation. Non-compliance with HUB requirements can result in contract breach and potential debarment from state contracting for up to five years. The procurement is open to vendors who can meet the comprehensive legal and operational requirements outlined in the HHSC Uniform Terms and Conditions, including compliance with state and federal regulations, anti-discrimination laws, and E-Verify employment eligibility verification.