FY27 Preventive Maintenance for Sensititre Systems at DSHS Lab

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on behalf of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB HHS0017148) for preventive maintenance and repair services for Sensititre antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems. This procurement seeks a single contractor to provide comprehensive support for 15 instruments located at the DSHS Laboratory in Austin, Texas, including scheduled preventive maintenance visits annually, unlimited on-site field service, software upgrades, replacement parts, and 24/7 technical support via call center. Services must be performed Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time with a 24-hour response requirement for service calls. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of five years of relevant experience and provide three verifiable references for similar contracts, along with comprehensive insurance coverage including workers' compensation, commercial general liability with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, commercial automobile liability, professional liability, and umbrella liability insurance. The evaluation will consider the bidder's ability to meet specifications and deliver services, past performance, and price as determining factors. Questions and clarifications are due April 28, 2026, with proposal responses due May 13, 2026, and an anticipated contract start date of September 1, 2026, for an initial one-year term with two optional one-year renewal periods and a potential one-year extension for transition purposes. All maintenance must be performed directly with no subcontracting permitted due to the critical public health nature of the equipment.

The solicitation documents do not identify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations eligible to respond, nor do they reference any incumbent vendors or current contractors. However, all respondents must comply with comprehensive compliance requirements including E-Verify employment verification, background checks on all personnel, non-debarment certifications, absence of suspension from state and federal contracting, and various Texas-specific provisions regarding boycotts of Israel and energy companies and non-discrimination against firearm industries. Pricing must be submitted as firm, fixed prices on the Pricing Sheet with all labor, materials, supplies, and travel expenses included. The historical monetary value for similar services over the three-year period ending August 31, 2026, was $75,927.56, provided as a guideline only and not a guarantee of volume or compensation. Award is contingent upon approval by the HHSC Executive Commissioner, and bidders may submit responses either electronically via the HHS Online Bid Room or through alternative methods identified in the solicitation package.