Research and Development Goods & Services

Texas Tech University (TTU) is issuing Request for Proposal (RFP) 2026-1190 for Research and Development Goods and Services, a direct procurement seeking qualified proposers to provide laboratory equipment, microscope equipment, and specialty research and development goods and services. The solicitation targets manufacturers and suppliers capable of supporting TTU's research initiatives through the provision of testing and measuring equipment, centrifuges, chromatography systems, fume hoods, microscope equipment, and related specialty R&D goods and services. Proposers must demonstrate at least one measurable benefit to TTU, such as designated local or remote representatives, discounts on goods or services, electronic commerce capabilities (e-invoicing or eCommerce catalogs), or warranties and guarantees. The evaluation will utilize a best value standard under Texas Education Code Section 51.9335, with weighted criteria as follows: Demonstrated Ability to Fulfill TTU Needs (50 percent), Compliance with Federal and State Requirements (15 percent), Proposer Qualifications (15 percent), Financial Value (10 percent), and Value-Added Options (10 percent). Proposers must submit three professional client references, verification of all necessary licenses, and comply with HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) program requirements. The Solicitation Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central (recommended but not mandatory), with a written questions deadline of Friday, April 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central. Proposals must be submitted online through the TechBid system by Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central, with public proposal opening scheduled for the same date and time, and evaluation anticipated to occur between April and July 2026.

The procurement does not restrict bidding to disadvantaged enterprises but requires compliance with TTU's HUB program, with an HUB Subcontracting Plan required only if the resulting contract is anticipated to exceed $100,000 over the term. All proposers must maintain specified insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Workers' Compensation (statutory), and Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), with TTU named as additional insured, and must comply with the comprehensive IT Addendum establishing security and technology standards including 99.99% system uptime, WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility compliance, NIST 800-53 security controls, weekly vulnerability scanning, annual cybersecurity training, and TX-RAMP compliance. Contract pricing will remain firm for twenty-four months following execution, with potential increases not to exceed three percent annually thereafter. The maximum initial contract term runs four years from the date of last signature, with options to automatically renew for up to four additional one-year renewal terms unless either party provides written non-renewal notice at least sixty days prior to the end of the initial or current renewal term. No specific award values or budget ranges are listed in the solicitation documents, though vendors should note that invoices will be paid net thirty days through automated payment options (ACH or single-use account card) against valid TTU Purchase Orders.