Carpentry Hardware, Materials and Supplies

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Procurement and Contracting Services division, on behalf of Rusk State Hospital, issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for carpentry hardware, materials, and supplies to establish a blanket purchase order contract for FY26. This procurement encompasses 24 line items including fiberglass-reinforced panels (Glasliner and Marlite products), joint compound and adhesives, metal studs, pressure-treated and fire-treated plywood, fire-treated and pressure-treated lumber, and self-drilling screws. Vendors must provide firm and fixed pricing on an F.O.B. Destination basis with freight prepaid and included in unit prices, or show exact delivery costs and terms separately, with estimated delivery within 14 days of order receipt. Deliveries must occur between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on specified dates, excluding noon to 1:00 p.m., with proper carton and pallet labeling, and vendors are responsible for all delivery costs including overtime and storage fees. The IFB was posted on March 17, 2026, with a questions and clarifications deadline of March 19, 2026, and responses to questions posted as addenda on March 23, 2026; bids must be received by April 1, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Central Time, with the contract commencing April 3, 2026 and expiring August 31, 2026. Evaluation criteria include bidder ability to meet specifications and delivery requirements, past vendor performance through the CPA Vendor Performance Tracking System, and price, with HHSC reserving the right to award to the bidder offering best value rather than lowest price. Respondents must submit Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations), a completed Exhibit C (Pricing Sheet), and any addendum acknowledgement forms, with the binding offer period set at 240 days from response submission.

The solicitation does not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent eligibility based on disadvantaged enterprise status or organizational type; however, all respondents must comply with comprehensive HHS affirmations and uniform terms and conditions, including certifications regarding suspension and debarment status, child support obligations, franchise tax compliance, human trafficking prohibitions, cybersecurity training, E-Verify employment verification, and various Texas-specific mandates regarding abortion funding, gender transitioning procedures, firearm industry discrimination, energy company boycotts, and Israel boycotts. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. Respondents must maintain records for seven years following contract expiration and are subject to audit by System Agency and state auditor offices, with contractors required to indemnify the state for claims arising from contractor performance and maintain required licenses and permits. The maximum contract value is $50,000.00, with orders to be placed on an as-needed basis by the agency point of contact; HHSC makes no guarantee of volume, usage, or compensation under any resulting contract. Additionally, both HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are entitled to use any resulting contract, and bidders may submit responses electronically through the HHS Online Bid Room or in-person at the PCS office located at 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, Texas.