CLD - GRIM3 System

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB 405-26R0005702) for the procurement of a Glass Refractive Index Measurement System (GRIM3 System) and related services for the DPS Headquarters Crime Lab located at 5800 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas. The solicitation encompasses three primary line items: (1) a complete GRIM3 System including a processor unit, microscope with phase objectives, temperature/humidity sensor, video camera, computer workstation with Windows 10/11 compatible 64-bit software, 24-inch monitor, reference oils, interference filters, cover slips, microscope slides, stage hardware, reference glasses, and accessories; (2) two-day on-site product training by an applications specialist covering equipment unpacking, setup, operator training, safety, maintenance, and certification; and (3) shipping and handling to the specified location. The GRIM3 system must achieve measurement precision with a standard deviation less than 0.00001 on continuous measurement of reference glass over a 48-hour period and hotstage temperature precision of less than 0.02°C while maintaining full compliance with current SWGMAT and ASTM standards for automated refractive index determination of glass samples. The computer specification requires an i7 or equivalent processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM, dual storage drives (512GB SSD and 2TB HDD), and Windows 11 Pro. Electronic bid responses must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on March 17, 2026, via email to DPS_Solicit_Response@dps.texas.gov or through the DPS Online Bid Room, with an anticipated contract award date of March 24, 2026. The contract term commences on the effective date and expires one year from that date, with DPS holding the right to extend performance for an additional six-month period at rates specified in the contract. Bidders must submit comprehensive pricing on a mandatory pricing schedule including all costs, fees, licenses, and expenses for delivery and performance, and provide evidence of financial resources and ability to perform, including audited financial statements for the previous two years or alternative documentation demonstrating financial solvency and capacity.

The solicitation document does not identify specific set-aside designations for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) or disadvantaged enterprises; however, vendors may indicate HUB certification status on the required Information and Certifications Form. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information is identified in the solicitation materials. Contractor personnel must undergo fingerprint-based criminal history background investigations at the contractor's expense, and selected contractors must submit financial rating information within 120 days after their fiscal year end. All bids remain valid for 180 days following the solicitation opening date and constitute an irrevocable response to DPS. Bidders must comply with extensive state and federal requirements including submission of a Direct Deposit Authorization Form (74-176), Application for Texas Identification Number (AP-152), and W-9 form, along with certifications regarding child support obligations, franchise tax status, debarment status, equal employment opportunity standards, cybersecurity training requirements, and various statutory prohibitions. The solicitation materials do not specify a contract award value or budget range, and DPS guarantees no minimum compensation and will make no payments until the Contract Monitor approves the commodities or services and authorizes invoice submission.