FY27 Chemical Laboratory Maintenance

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Procurement and Contracting Services division, on behalf of HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), issued Invitation for Bids (IFB) HHS0016999 on April 22, 2026, seeking competitive bids for professional maintenance services for a MicroLab Star automated liquid handling instrument (Serial Number B788) serving the Chemical Threat Response Laboratory. The equipment features four 1 mL channels, two 5 mL channels, a 96-core head, autoload, core grips, and multi-probe heads, and is the only Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Chemical Laboratory in Texas requiring 24/7/365 operational capability. Service requirements include guaranteed two business-day onsite response for repairs, 24-hour target response time for downed instruments, four-hour guaranteed callback time, hardware and application telephone support, and quarterly preventive maintenance visits, with all parts being OEM-manufactured and labor and travel charges for planned maintenance included at no additional cost. Bidders must submit firm, fixed pricing on Exhibit C covering all labor, travel, equipment, materials, supplies, and related expenses; provide OEM Field Service Engineer training certificates dated within two years of the contract start date; submit verifiable references demonstrating relevant experience on similar contracts completed within the last three years; and provide resumes of assigned field service engineers. The contract term begins September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with three optional one-year renewal periods extending through August 31, 2030, plus one additional extension option of up to one year at HHSC's sole discretion. The questions and clarifications deadline is April 28, 2026, at 10:30 AM Central Time, with bids due May 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM Central Time. Historical spending for similar services totaled $87,964 from September 13, 2022, through August 31, 2026, provided as a guideline only.

The solicitation documents do not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organization types eligible to respond, nor do they indicate incumbent vendors or current contractors; however, bidders must demonstrate compliance with numerous state and federal regulations as outlined in Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations v. 2.10), including suspension and debarment status, child support obligations, human trafficking prohibitions, franchise tax compliance, E-Verify participation, and restrictions on boycotting Israel and energy companies. Bidders must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including workers' compensation, commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, commercial automobile liability, professional liability, and umbrella liability of $1,000,000, and service personnel must be at least 18 years old with a minimum of two years relevant experience, with all contractor personnel requiring background checks prior to onsite work. No subcontracting is permitted due to the critical public health nature of the equipment. Bidders must submit a completed Exhibit G Form 4109 Application for Texas Identification Number if applicable, provide documentation demonstrating financial capability and operational capacity, and include training certificates for OEM Field Service Engineers and support personnel. The service location is the Department of State Health Services Lab at 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756, and submissions may be made either in-person at the Procurement and Contracting Services office (office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or through the optional HHS Online Bid Room system, with the PCS customer service line available at 512-406-2500 for additional questions.