HOUFY26 - Q3 - Y23

The Texas Department of Public Safety issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) solicitation on April 3, 2026, for DNA sequencing supplies required by the Texas DPS Crime Lab, with responses due by 5:00 P.M. Central Time on April 17, 2026, and an anticipated contract award date of April 28, 2026. The procurement seeks pricing for a 5-Dye STR Multiplex kit designed for amplification of 23 Y-STR loci used in forensic casework, database samples, and paternity testing; the kit includes multiple components such as control DNA, amplification-grade water, allelic ladder mix, primer pair mix, and master mix in specified quantities and concentrations. The contract term commences on the effective date and expires one year from that date, subject to DPS funding availability. Bidders must submit electronic responses to DPS_Solicit_Response@dps.texas.gov or via the DPS Online Bid Room in four volumes containing required contract forms, organizational information, references, and detailed pricing schedules on the mandatory pricing schedule provided. Evaluation will be conducted using a best value standard in accordance with Texas Government Code provisions, considering past performance, vendor performance tracking system scores, and reference checks. Bidders must provide evidence of financial resources and ability to perform, including audited financial statements for the last two years or alternative financial documentation such as a Dun & Bradstreet Business Information Report, and selected contractors must submit financial rating information within 120 days after their fiscal year end.

No set-asides, identified incumbent contractors, or specific budget ranges are mentioned in this solicitation, though bidders may qualify for various Texas preferences including those for Texas-based businesses, service-disabled veterans, agricultural products, recycled materials, energy-efficient products, and HUB certification status if applicable. All bidders must complete the Information and Certifications Form confirming compliance with ethical standards, conflict of interest disclosures, debarment status verification, non-discrimination commitments, environmental compliance, cybersecurity training requirements, and various state-specific statutes addressing Iran and Sudan business restrictions, Israel boycott prohibitions, energy company boycott prohibitions, and firearm entity discrimination prohibitions. Vendors must also submit IRS Form W-9, Application for Texas Identification Number (Form AP-152), and Direct Deposit Authorization forms as administrative prerequisites for contract award and payment processing. DPS reserves the right to reject any or all bids, award to multiple contractors by line item, or award no contract, and guarantees no minimum compensation to selected contractors, with all pricing representing the contractor's sole compensation under the agreement. Invoices must be itemized, clearly identify commodities and services provided, include the contract/purchase order number, and be sent to the contract monitor and apinvoices@dps.texas.gov, with DPS recommending payment by electronic funds transfer.