HHS0016963 SimpleDist Tubes - Micro Distillation Cyanide for DSHS Lab

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Procurement and Contracting Services division, on behalf of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for SimpleDist Tubes used in micro distillation cyanide laboratory analysis. The procurement seeks 40 units of Environmental Express C8100C SimpleDist Tubes in 100-pack configurations, along with a separate line item for shipping, handling, and freight cost estimates. This is a firm fixed-price procurement with an anticipated contract start date of January 27, 2025, an initial term extending through August 31, 2026, and an optional one-year extension at HHSC's sole discretion. The questions and clarifications deadline was January 20, 2025, with an addendum posted on January 21, 2025; bids were due by January 26, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central Time. Evaluation criteria include the bidder's ability to meet or exceed specifications, capacity to perform and meet delivery requirements, and price, with HHSC reserving the right to award to the bidder offering the best value rather than the lowest price. All deliveries must occur between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on specified dates (excluding 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM lunch hours), with the vendor responsible for all delivery coordination, setup, and warehouse fees; late deliveries will result in vendor responsibility for emergency purchase costs at increased rates. Respondents must submit completed Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations), Exhibit C (Pricing Sheet), and any applicable addendum acknowledgement forms; submissions may be made via email, the HHS Online Bid Room, or hand delivery/overnight mail of a USB drive containing required documentation. Pricing responses must be submitted in US dollars as firm, fixed prices for the contract's entire duration, with all labor, equipment, materials, supplies, and related expenses included in the unit rates; price adjustments are permitted only at HHSC's sole discretion based on Consumer Price Index or Federal Minimum Wage Rate adjustments with detailed supporting documentation.

The solicitation requires respondents to certify compliance with extensive state and federal requirements through HHS Solicitation Affirmations, including accurate information submission, non-suspension or debarment status, E-Verify employment verification, human trafficking prohibition compliance, cybersecurity training requirements, and compliance with preferences for Texas bidders, service-disabled veterans, and recycled materials under Texas Government Code Section 2155.444(c) and Chapter 2155, Subchapter H. Respondent offers remain firm and binding for 240 days from submission date, and respondents may not assign rights or delegate duties without prior written System Agency approval. All contractors must comply with the HHS Contract Affirmations and Uniform Terms and Conditions, including maintenance of appropriate insurance coverage, intellectual property ownership vesting exclusively in HHSC, seven-year record retention requirements, compliance with all applicable federal and state laws including civil rights statutes, and submission to audit and inspection by the System Agency, State Auditor's Office, and federal authorities. The contract is terminable for convenience at HHSC's sole discretion or for cause including material breach or loss of financial viability, with contractors bearing responsibility for all termination costs upon termination for cause. The contract shall be governed by Texas law with venue in Travis County, and disputes must proceed through Chapter 2260 of the Texas Government Code requiring informal resolution attempts before formal contested case proceedings. No specific award value or budget range was listed in the procurement documents; pricing was to be submitted by bidders on the Exhibit C Pricing Sheet for the requested quantities of SimpleDist Tubes and associated shipping and handling costs.