Medical Supplies and Small Equipment

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB No. HHS0016438) for medical supplies and small equipment specifically for the Abilene State Supported Living Center located in Taylor County. The procurement seeks medical supplies to address various medical conditions including digestive issues, diabetes, dysphagia, dehydration, arrhythmia, and wound care. The contract will cover 15 line items across two primary categories: Medical Supplies and Small Tool/Small Equipment, featuring products from manufacturers such as Becton-Dickinson, Avanos, Covidien, Exergen, Nonin Medical, and Welch Allyn. Prospective vendors must submit a completed Exhibit A HHS Solicitation Affirmations and Exhibit C Pricing Sheet, with failure to do so resulting in bid disqualification. The solicitation was posted on July 16, 2025, with questions due by July 24, 2025, and final responses required by August 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST. The initial contract term will run from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, with potential extension options for an additional year.

The procurement follows the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program guidelines, encouraging subcontracting opportunities with state-certified HUB vendors, though submission of a HUB Subcontracting Plan is not mandatory. The historical spend for similar goods is estimated between $25,000 and $50,000 in fiscal year 2025, though HHSC does not guarantee specific purchase volumes. Vendors must provide firm, fixed prices for the contract duration, with potential adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W or CPI-U) and federal minimum wage changes. Both HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will be entitled to use the resulting contract. The delivery location will be the Abilene Supported State Living Center at 2501 Mapple St, Abilene, TX 79602. The contract is structured as a blanket term contract with flexibility to adjust quantities based on the center's evolving needs, and orders will be placed on an "as needed basis" by the agency.