Rapid HIT ID ACE

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for FBI NDIS-approved Rapid DNA systems to support crime laboratory operations across the state. The procurement seeks ten Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID System kits with associated cartridges, software, and service components suitable for CODIS/NDIS enrollment and FBI Quality Assurance Standards compliance, with delivery required to ten DPS laboratory locations including Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Garland, Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, Tyler, Waco, and Weslaco. Bidders must submit electronic responses by 5:00 P.M. Central Time on April 22, 2026, with an anticipated contract award date of April 29, 2026; the contract term commences on the effective date and expires one year from that date, subject to availability of DPS funding. Pricing must be submitted on a Mandatory Pricing Schedule with all costs, fees, licenses, and expenses included, and DPS guarantees no minimum compensation with payment authorized only upon written approval from the Contract Monitor confirming acceptance of commodities. Bidders must provide evidence of financial resources and capacity to perform, including audited financial statements for the last two years or alternative financial documentation demonstrating solvency, and evaluation will be based on best value criteria under Texas Government Code 2156.007, with consideration of past performance scores from the Vendor Performance Tracking System and reference checks. Selected contractors must demonstrate compliance with comprehensive IT Standards and Requirements, Cyber Security Contract Requirements including TX-RAMP certification for cloud components and two-factor authentication, and Data and AI governance standards prohibiting contractor use of DPS data for any purpose without written authorization from the DPS Chief Information Officer.

All bidders must comply with HUB (Historically Underutilized Businesses) subcontracting requirements under Texas Government Code Chapter 2161 and submit a completed HUB Subcontracting Plan with their response, choosing between awarding all subcontracting work exclusively to certified HUBs, awarding a mix meeting or exceeding the contracting agency's HUB goal percentage, or demonstrating good faith effort through notification requirements. Respondents must complete and submit the Information and Certifications Form certifying compliance with approximately thirty federal and state regulations, including certifications regarding ethical standards, conflict of interest disclosures, debarment status, employment eligibility via E-Verify, drug-free workplace standards, non-participation in boycotts of Israel or energy companies, and compliance with cyber security training requirements; failure to sign and submit this form may result in disqualification. Contractors must also submit federal tax forms (W-9 and AP-152), evidence of Texas business certification, and appropriate insurance coverage, with all personnel accessing DPS facilities or confidential information required to undergo background investigations compliant with FBI Certification for the CJIS Security Addendum standards. The solicitation document does not specify an explicit contract award value or budget range, though the requirement for ten RapidHIT ID System units and associated services across multiple laboratory locations represents a substantial procurement with significant equipment and service delivery components. No incumbent vendor information or specific technology integration requirements beyond general DPS infrastructure compatibility are listed in the available documentation.