Labwide Accreditaon in Food Microbiology and Food Chemistry Testng at Texas Department of State Health Services Laboratory

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for laboratory accreditation services in food microbiology and food chemistry testing, specifically seeking a contractor to provide accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Standard. The solicitation, posted on April 25, 2025, covers Travis County and multiple Austin City jurisdictions, with responses due by May 9, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Key deliverables include providing an accreditation officer to support the lab's proficiency testing plan, conducting biennial in-person or virtual assessments to verify compliance with A2LA requirements, and delivering a valid A2LA accreditation certificate for microbiology and chemistry food testing. Bidders must demonstrate comprehensive qualifications, including at least three verifiable references for similar contracts within the last five years, detailed company information, and the ability to provide A2LA accreditation for ISO 17025:2017. Critical evaluation criteria will include the bidder's operational capacity, technical capabilities, past performance, and ability to meet the specific accreditation requirements for the DSHS Laboratory.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The initial contract term will run from the date of award through August 31, 2030, with options for up to four additional one-year renewal terms. The historical spend for similar services is estimated at $3,300 for the period September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2025. Both the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and DSHS will be entitled to use the resulting contract, with pricing to be firm and fixed throughout the contract and potential renewal periods. Bidders must complete a comprehensive registration process, which includes accessing the HHS Online Bid Room and the Enterprise Portal, with registration potentially taking up to five business days. The solicitation requires extensive documentation, including pricing sheets, reference forms, affirmations, and demonstrations of operational capabilities, with failure to submit required documents potentially resulting in bid disqualification.