Ftir-ATR spectrometer system

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the procurement of FTIR-ATR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance) spectrometer systems and related equipment to support Crime Lab operations. The solicitation requests four units each of FTIR spectrometer systems, English language kits, ATR AR-coated diamond accessories, ATR optical bases, and power cords, with delivery distributed between the Amarillo Crime Lab (1 unit of each item) and the Houston Crime Lab (3 units of each item). The referenced product specification is the Nicolet Summit X FTIR Spectrometer System, though equivalent systems meeting or exceeding stated requirements will be accepted. Bidders must submit electronic responses by 5:00 P.M. Central Time on March 27, 2026, either to DPS_Solicit_Response@dps.texas.gov or via the DPS Online Bid Room, with the anticipated contract award date of April 3, 2026. The contract term commences on the effective date of the signing document and expires one year from that date, with DPS reserving the right to extend performance for up to six additional months for re-advertising or transitioning to a new contract. The question deadline was March 18, 2026, with answers anticipated by March 20, 2026. Bidders must submit all costs, fees, licenses, and delivery expenses through a mandatory pricing schedule as their sole compensation, with DPS guaranteeing no minimum compensation, and must provide evidence of financial stability through audited financial statements for the past two years, a Dun & Bradstreet report, or alternative documentation demonstrating financial solvency. Evaluation will follow the best value standard under Texas Government Code, with consideration of past performance through the Vendor Performance Tracking System, and bids remain valid for 180 days following the solicitation opening date.

The solicitation imposes no specific set-aside designations restricting vendor participation based on disadvantaged enterprise status; however, bidders must disclose their Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification status and any applicable preference qualifications including Texas bidder status, service-disabled veteran ownership, or other state-approved preference categories. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation, and no existing infrastructure or integration requirements are specified beyond the compatibility expectations for equivalent FTIR spectrometer systems. All bidders must submit three distinct volumes of documentation: Volume One containing contract forms and certifications including W-9, AP-152, and Direct Deposit Authorization forms; Volume Two containing organizational information, resumes of key personnel, minimum three project references, and business continuity and disaster recovery plan; and Volume Three containing the pricing response. Contractors must comply with comprehensive compliance obligations including fingerprint-based criminal background investigations for personnel assigned to DPS facilities, E-Verify immigration verification, drug-free workplace requirements, non-discrimination standards, and anti-fraud provisions. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents.