Invitation for Bids for Water Dispensers Big Spring State Hospital

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB No. HHS0016934) on January 14, 2026, for the procurement of ice and water dispensers at Big Spring State Hospital. The procurement seeks four units of Follett Model No. 12CI414A-S Symphony Plus ice and water dispensers capable of producing up to 425 pounds of chewable nugget ice in 24 hours, classified under NIGP Class/Item No. 740-45. Each unit specifications include a 199-pound shipping weight, 12-pound bin storage capacity, air-cooled condenser type with antimicrobial drain pan, sensor-activated dispensing, 115-volt single-phase operation at 7.2 amps and 60 hertz frequency, R-290 refrigerant, and NSF certification, with the product manufactured in America. Bidders must submit completed and signed Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations), Exhibit C Pricing Sheet with firm fixed unit pricing and shipping costs in US dollars, and any applicable Addendum Acknowledgement Forms. The response submission deadline is January 28, 2026, at 10:30 AM Central Time, with a questions deadline of January 21, 2026, and responses to clarifications posted on January 22, 2026. The anticipated contract start date is January 29, 2026, with an initial contract term through August 31, 2026, and an option for HHSC to extend for up to one additional year. Award evaluation is based on meeting specifications, ability to perform delivery requirements, price, and past vendor performance, contingent on approval by the HHSC Executive Commissioner or designee. Delivery must occur between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on dates specified in the purchase order, excluding the noon to 1:00 PM lunch period, with the vendor responsible for all delivery costs and late delivery penalties.

No specific set-asides for disadvantaged businesses are identified in the solicitation; however, contractors must comply with HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) subcontracting requirements, though submission of a HUB Subcontracting Plan is not mandatory. The solicitation does not identify an incumbent contractor or current service provider. Bidders must comply with numerous state and federal requirements including debarment and suspension status certification, E-Verify compliance, cybersecurity training, Texas-specific statutory provisions regarding abortion funding, gender-related medical procedures, firearm industry discrimination, energy company boycotts, and Israel boycotts, as well as human trafficking prohibitions and child support obligation certifications. Respondents must maintain all required permits and licenses and comply with the Buy Texas requirement for service contracts. The solicitation documents do not specify the total contract value or budget allocation; pricing must be submitted as firm fixed prices on the provided Exhibit C Pricing Sheet, with price adjustments permitted only at HHSC's sole discretion when correlated with the Consumer Price Index using Bureau of Labor Statistics formulas and supported by documentation. All contract responses remain firm and binding offers for 240 days from the due date, and all work product and intellectual property rights resulting from the contract will be owned exclusively by HHSC or the appropriate System Agency.