Invitation for Bids for Pickering Onyx PCX Systems

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on behalf of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued Invitation for Bids (IFB) HHS0017078 for the procurement of two Onyx PCX systems configured for Carbamate/Glyphosate workflows at 120 volts from Pickering Laboratories. The solicitation includes a combined three-day installation and training visit covering both instruments at the DSHS facility located at 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, Texas. The IFB was posted to the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) on February 24, 2026, with a response deadline of March 10, 2026 at 10:30 AM Central Time, and an anticipated contract start date of March 12, 2026. The Onyx PCX is a next-generation post-column instrument designed for pulse-free reagent delivery, quick-change reactors, and programmable column-temperature gradients to enhance chromatographic post-column derivatization capabilities and support regulated environmental and food testing. Deliverables include two Onyx PCX systems with accessories and cabling, on-site installation with HPLC system integration, three days of operator training for DSHS staff, equipment documentation including installation reports and training materials, and a 12-month warranty from the date of manufacture. Pricing must be submitted using Exhibit C-Pricing Sheet and represents firm, fixed prices for the life of the contract, inclusive of all labor, equipment, materials, supplies, and related expenses. The initial contract term extends from the award date through August 31, 2026, with an option for extension of up to one additional year at the sole discretion of HHSC subject to funding availability.

Respondents must complete and affirm Exhibits A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations) and C (Pricing Sheet) as mandatory attachments; failure to submit either document will result in bid disqualification. All contractors and subcontractors must comply with extensive certification and affirmation requirements, including suspension and debarment certifications, child support obligation verification, human trafficking prohibitions, E-Verify program participation, cybersecurity training compliance, and prohibitions on boycotts of Israel and energy companies. No vendor conference or HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) courtesy review submission is required. The historical monetary value for the same or similar goods is $91,502.30 for FY26, provided as a guideline only and not representing guaranteed volumes or quantities. Price adjustments during the contract term may be permitted only at HHSC's sole discretion and must be correlated with the Consumer Price Index as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Region VI, or adjustments to the Federal Minimum Wage. The HHS Agency reserves the right to reject any or all responses and to make single or multiple awards to achieve best value for the state, with all contracts subject to appropriations, availability of funds, and potential termination for convenience or cause.