HHS0016980 Clear Dx Instrument

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the procurement of a Clear Labs Dx automated liquid handler and sequencer system (Serial number G556) to support microbial surveillance and outbreak investigations, including wastewater surveillance activities for public health purposes. The solicitation (HHS0016980) was posted on February 3, 2026, with a question deadline of February 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM CST, addendum responses posted by February 10, 2026, and a firm bid submission deadline of February 19, 2026 at 10:30 AM Central Time. The procurement includes one Clear Dx Instrument with one sequencer, a microbial surveillance upgrade with two additional short-read sequencers, system installation by a certified Clear Lab trainer, comprehensive training services, installation/operational/performance qualification services with detailed reports, and packaging. All pricing must be submitted as firm, fixed prices using Exhibit C - Pricing Sheet with all labor, equipment, materials, supplies, and related expenses included in the unit rates, with no price adjustments permitted unless approved at HHSC's sole discretion and potentially correlated to Consumer Price Index Region VI data or federal minimum wage increases. The contractor must directly perform all service and maintenance work with no subcontracting allowed due to the critical public health nature of the equipment, and customer support via telephone must be available during normal business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday). Delivery must occur between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM on specified dates excluding 11:00 AM to noon, with the vendor responsible for all additional charges including overtime, storage, and unloading fees. Mandatory submission requirements include completed Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations) and Exhibit C (Pricing Sheet); failure to submit these documents will result in automatic bid disqualification. The anticipated contract start date is March 2026, with the contract term running from award through August 31, 2026, with an optional one-year extension at HHSC's sole discretion.

No HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) subcontracting plan is required for this procurement, though bidders with subcontracting opportunities are encouraged to submit one voluntarily. All respondents must comply with comprehensive HHS affirmations and uniform terms and conditions, including certifications regarding debarment and suspension status, human trafficking prohibitions, E-Verify compliance, conflicts of interest, antitrust compliance, cybersecurity training requirements, artificial intelligence system disclosures, and various Texas-specific statutory requirements addressing abortion funding limitations, gender transitioning procedures, firearm industry discrimination, and surveillance restrictions. Products delivered must exactly match awarded specifications with no substitutions permitted without prior written approval from HHSC, and all work product, intellectual property, and state agency data become the exclusive property of the state. Historical spending for similar goods totaled $264,950 for fiscal year 2022, provided only as a budgetary guideline, though no specific contract award value is stated in the solicitation documents. Bids may be submitted either electronically through the optional HHS Online Bid Room or through alternative methods specified in the solicitation package, with technical difficulties or delays related to the optional online bid room not constituting grounds for protesting a contract award. Inquiries regarding the solicitation should be directed to Courtney Meads at 512/406-2478, and in-person bid submissions can be made at the PCS office located at 1100 W. 49th Street in Austin, Texas, during standard business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).