ITB - Histology Slide Stainer and Related Items for the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science

Harris County is seeking to procure a histology slide stainer and related items for the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science through an Invitation to Bid (ITB) process. The primary procurement involves acquiring a histology slide stainer with an integrated glass coverslipper, specifically seeking equipment equivalent to the Tissue Tek-Prisma Plus Automated Slide Stainer and Tissue-Tek Glas g2 Automated Glass Coverslipper. The system must be capable of processing 400-530 slides per hour, producing both Hemotoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and special stains, with continuous loading and unloading functions. The contract term will begin approximately October 1, 2025, and run for one year, with potential for four additional one-year renewals subject to Commissioners Court approval. Evaluation criteria will include price, vendor capacity and skill, time constraints, and quality of performance, with the county reserving the right to award to primary and secondary vendors. The bid is due by September 15, 2025, and requires all-inclusive pricing covering labor, materials, equipment, testing, and installation costs.

The solicitation encourages participation from diverse businesses, with the Subcontractor Listing Form including options for HUB/MWBE (Historically Underutilized Business/Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise) and Section 3 business certifications. Vendors must provide trade-in credit for existing equipment (a Tissue-Tek Prisma slide stainer and Tissue-Tek Glas g2 coverslipper) and offer a comprehensive one-year warranty covering 100% parts and labor. Contractors must meet stringent insurance requirements, including Workers Compensation, Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Umbrella/Excess Liability coverage with specific minimum limits. The county requires vendors to be registered to do business in Texas and to disclose any existing debts or tax obligations. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive specifications and equipment requirements suggest this is a significant procurement with potential value in the range of several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the specific equipment configuration and installation requirements.