Digital PCR Instrument with a DNA Extractor

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Procurement and Contracting Services division, on behalf of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), issued Invitation for Bids (IFB) HHS0016959 for a Digital PCR Instrument with DNA Extractor system. This is a one-time equipment purchase solicitation requiring vendors to supply and install a digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument capable of detecting and identifying carbapenem-resistant bacteria and extracting nucleic acids for downstream PCR and whole genome sequencing processes to support CDC grant requirements. The solicitation was posted on January 29, 2026, with a questions and clarifications deadline of February 11, 2026, and a response submission deadline of February 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM Central Time. Bidders must submit responses in US Dollars using firm, fixed pricing on the provided Exhibit C Pricing Sheet and must include completed HHS Solicitation Affirmations (Exhibit A), the pricing sheet, and any applicable Addendum Acknowledgement Forms to avoid disqualification. Three line item options are available: Line 1 features the EZ2 Connect MDx system with IQ/OQ service and installation; Line 2 offers the QIAcuity Four PLT system with QIAgility and installation services; and Line 3 includes the QIAgility HEPA/UV system at no cost. Price will be evaluated as a significant factor in determining best value to the state, though lowest price alone is not the sole award criterion. The anticipated contract start date is February 23, 2026, with an initial term through August 31, 2026, and one optional one-year extension available at HHSC's discretion.

All respondents must complete and execute the standardized HHS Solicitation Affirmations form, certifying compliance with Texas and federal statutory requirements, including debarment and suspension status, child support obligations, franchise tax compliance, E-Verify requirements, conflicts of interest avoidance, cybersecurity training completion, federal suspension and exclusion status, lobbying restrictions, and compliance with state health and safety codes regarding abortion procedures and gender-related treatments, among other affirmations. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are noted in the solicitation documents. Vendors are responsible for all delivery logistics, including coordination with the receiving facility at 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, Texas, on-time delivery compliance, proper labeling and pallet preparation, and payment of any additional warehouse charges; all deliverables must conform exactly to specified brand names, makes, and model numbers with no unauthorized substitutions permitted. The historical estimated spend for similar goods ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 for Fiscal Year 2025, provided as a guideline only, with no volume, usage, or compensation guaranteed to any contractor. Both HHSC and DSHS are entitled to use any resulting contract. Bidders may submit responses through the optional HHS Online Bid Room or through alternative submission methods, with in-person submissions accepted at the PCS office during business hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; technical difficulties with the optional online submission platform do not constitute grounds for protest.