CLD - MILAND FT-IR Spectrometer

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the procurement of two FT-IR spectrometer systems with associated equipment and services for the Crime Laboratory Division's Midland facility located at 2405 South Loop 250 West, Midland, TX 79703. The solicitation specifies the Bruker Scientific ALPHA II FT-IR Spectrometer as the model meeting or exceeding stated requirements and includes deliverables of universal sampling modules with diamond ATR crystals, software packages, extended warranty coverage for ten years on interferometers and diamond crystals and five years on MIR sources, and freight/shipping/tariffs. Bidders must submit electronic responses by 5:00 P.M. Central Time on March 5, 2026, either to DPS_Solicit_Response@dps.texas.gov or through the DPS Online Bid Room, with the anticipated contract award date of March 13, 2026. The question submission deadline is February 23, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. CST, with answers anticipated to post by February 25, 2026. Bidders must provide pricing on the Mandatory Pricing Schedule for all line items and submit evidence of financial resources and ability to perform, including audited financial statements for the last two years or alternative documentation demonstrating financial solvency. Evaluation will follow the best value standard under Texas Government Code Section 2156.007 and will include review of past performance through the Vendor Performance Tracking System and other sources. The contract term commences on the effective date and expires one year from that date, with DPS reserving the right to extend performance for up to an additional six-month period.

The solicitation does not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular organization types, though all respondents must complete the comprehensive Information and Certifications Form certifying compliance with state and federal requirements including HUB certification status disclosure, child support obligations, debarment and suspension status, equal employment opportunity commitments, cybersecurity training requirements, and prohibitions against boycotts of Israel and energy companies. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in this solicitation. Respondents must comply with extensive technical and IT standards including cybersecurity requirements mandating CJIS compliance, encryption using FIPS 140-2 or 140-3 validated modules, data residency within the conterminous United States, annual security awareness training, and immediate incident notification within four hours, with liquidated damages up to 100 percent of total contract value for data breaches. DPS guarantees no minimum compensation and will make no payments until DPS's Contract Monitor approves commodities or services in writing. The specific award value or budget range is not disclosed in the solicitation materials; however, all bids must remain valid for 180 days after the solicitation opening date, and DPS reserves the right to award one or more contracts to responsible bidders representing best value, though no more than one bidder per line item will be awarded.