Laboratory Testing Services for Field Personnel

The Texas Animal Health Commission is soliciting proposals for laboratory testing services for field personnel under RFP 554-27-002, with proposals due December 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM CST and questions due November 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM CST.

The scope encompasses phlebotomy services and related support for TAHC employees exposed to pesticides during field duties. The contractor must provide Cholinesterase testing (anticipated 500 to 1,000 units annually), Brucella testing (0 to 500 units annually), and Tuberculosis QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus testing (0 to 500 units annually) using specified CPT codes. Services include baseline testing for new employees within their first week and routine surveillance testing at prescribed intervals (Cholinesterase every 30 days; Brucella and Tuberculosis every two years). Testing facilities must be located within a 50-mile radius of eight TAHC regional offices across Texas (Raymondville, Amarillo, Sulphur Springs, Pleasanton, Stephenville, Giddings, Laredo, and Austin). The contractor must deploy an experienced dedicated Account Manager and certified phlebotomists, maintain availability Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with 24-hour emergency communication, provide secure portal access for order placement and result tracking, and submit quarterly performance reports. All Protected Health Information must comply with HIPAA, state law, and the HITECH Act. TAHC reserves discretion to expand services to include Coxiellosis (Q Fever) testing during the contract term.

The initial contract term runs March 1, 2027 through February 29, 2028, with an optional one-year renewal period (March 1, 2028 through February 28, 2029) and potential extensions of up to six months at TAHC's discretion. No minimum compensation is guaranteed; all costs, including licenses and fees, must be included in firm pricing submitted on a no-minimum, as-requested basis.

Evaluation criteria are Past Performance, Qualifications & Experience (30%); Compliance with TAHC Specifications (30%); and Cost (40%). Award is anticipated in January 2027. Respondents must provide minimum three past projects with references demonstrating similar work. Commercial General Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate is required. Performance and payment bonds may be required for contracts exceeding $100,000 and $25,000, respectively. TAHC reserves the right to reject all proposals and terminate contracts for convenience with 30 days' notice.