Lead Sample Analysis Services for the Department of State Health Services located in Austin, TX.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is requesting bids on lead sample analysis services for the Department of State Health Services Blood Lead Surveillance Branch in Austin, with bids due July 31, 2026 at 10:30 AM Central Time and a questions deadline of July 15, 2026. The contractor must be EPA-recognized laboratory accredited through the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) — the primary capability gate. All respondents must submit a completed Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan demonstrating good-faith efforts toward the statewide HUB utilization goal of 26.0%; failure to include a compliant HSP results in automatic disqualification.

The scope requires laboratory testing of environmental samples (paint chips, soil, dust, food, spices, cosmetics) collected from sites where children with elevated blood lead levels reside. Services include seven categories of lead testing methodologies using EPA-approved protocols: Flame Atomic Absorption (SW-846 7000B) for paint chips, wipes, and soil; Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption for drinking water, air, and wastewater; Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), Total Threshold Limit Concentration (TTLC), and Soluble Threshold Limit Concentration (STLC) analysis; TSP Lead measurement via ICP-MS per 40 CFR Part 50; and ICP/ICP-MS using EPA methods 200.5, 200.8, and 6020A. Test results must be delivered within 24 to 48 hours of finalization. Services are provided Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Central Time, with four-hour routine response and one-hour emergency response requirements.

The initial contract term runs September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, with two optional one-year renewals and one optional one-year extension. Pricing must be firm and fixed for contract life, with adjustments permitted only for Consumer Price Index or Federal Minimum Wage increases at HHSC discretion. Contractor personnel must have minimum two years of relevant experience. Insurance requirements include workers' compensation; commercial general liability of $1 million per occurrence; commercial automobile and professional liability each of $1 million; and umbrella liability of $1 million. Bidders must submit a minimum of three verifiable references for similar contracts within the last three years. Mandatory submissions include Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations), Exhibit C (Pricing Sheet), and Exhibit F (HUB Subcontracting Plan); optional submissions include Exhibit H (Form 4109 Application for Texas Identification Number). Award will be made on best value considering meeting IFB requirements, ability to perform, and price.