HHS0017132 Culture Media Test

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Procurement and Contracting Services division, on behalf of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory, issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) on May 15, 2026, for the procurement of culture media products used in food, water, dairy, and shellfish testing. The solicitation requires five specific R&F brand culture media items for detecting Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterobacter sakazakii, with quantities ranging from 2 to 20 kits per item and pricing to be quoted per kit, plus shipping costs and applicable tariffs. All products must have a minimum of eight months expiration upon receipt and comply with laboratory standards including ISO 17025:2017, TNI 2016, College of American Pathologists (CAP), and FDA requirements. The contract will be awarded based on best value to the state, considering the bidder's ability to meet specifications, delivery performance requirements, and price, with firm, fixed pricing required using the provided Pricing Sheet (Exhibit C). Bidders must submit the completed Exhibit A HHS Solicitation Affirmations (Pages 1-14), the completed Exhibit C Pricing Sheet, and any signed Addendum Acknowledgement Forms if issued, with failure to submit these documents resulting in bid disqualification. The questions deadline was May 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time, and responses are due June 2, 2026, at 10:30 AM, with an anticipated contract start date of September 1, 2026.

The procurement does not specify HUB set-asides or vendor conferences, and no current incumbent vendor information is provided in the solicitation documents. Bidders must comply with extensive state and federal certifications and affirmations, including E-Verify employment verification requirements, suspension and debarment status, human trafficking prohibitions, Buy Texas requirements, and Texas-specific provisions regarding boycott prohibitions relating to Israel and energy companies, discrimination prohibitions against firearm industries, and restrictions on abortion-related services and gender transitioning procedures for minors. The initial contract term spans one year, from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with four optional renewal periods of one year each through August 31, 2031, and one additional one-year extension option at HHSC's discretion. Delivery must comply with strict requirements including on-time arrival between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, proper carton and pallet labeling, and vendor responsibility for all associated costs including storage, handling, and verification of compliance. The historical monetary value for similar goods is $187,340.00 for FY2026, provided as a guideline only and not representing guaranteed volume or compensation, though price adjustments may be permitted at HHSC's sole discretion if correlated to the Consumer Price Index or federal minimum wage increases. All awards are contingent upon HHSC Executive Commissioner approval.