BX43-1-3 Microscope Frame and Accessories - LED Fluorescent Microscope System

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) have issued Invitation for Bids (IFB) HHS0017252 for the procurement of laboratory microscope equipment and accessories. The solicitation seeks one unit of a BX43 LED Fluorescent Microscope system with comprehensive accessories including a frame, UYCP-11 US style 3-prong power cord, true color LED light source, U-TBI-3 tilting binocular observation tube, two WHN10X-1-8 eyepieces, BX43-5RES-1-2 coded 5-position revolving nosepiece, fluorite objectives, mechanical stage, slide holder, filter cube, adapter, and dust cover with shipping included. The solicitation was posted on April 23, 2026, with a questions and clarifications deadline of April 29, 2026, and a bid submission deadline of May 7, 2026 at 10:30 AM Central Time. No vendor conference or bidders meeting is scheduled. Bidders must submit completed Exhibits A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations), C (Pricing Sheet), and D (Bid Execution Page) with firm, fixed pricing as all-inclusive of labor, equipment, materials, supplies, and all related expenses. The evaluation criteria include the bidder's ability to meet specifications and delivery requirements, past vendor performance verification, overall ability to perform, and price, with HHSC reserving the right to award to the bidder offering the best value rather than necessarily the lowest price.

Responses may be submitted via email to pcsbids@hhs.texas.gov, through the optional HHS Online Bid Room, or by hand delivery or overnight mail of a USB drive to the HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services office in Austin, Texas; use of the online bid room is optional and technical difficulties do not constitute valid grounds for protesting an award. The initial contract term runs from the date of award through August 31, 2026, with an extension option available at the sole discretion of HHS for up to one additional year. Submission of a HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) Subcontracting Plan is encouraged but not required. The historical monetary value for the same or similar goods is $31,827.00, provided only as a guideline and not representing guaranteed volumes; no volume, usage, or compensation is guaranteed under any resulting contract. Bidders must comply with comprehensive affirmations and certifications covering regulatory compliance, debarment status, human trafficking prohibitions, E-Verify requirements, cybersecurity training, artificial intelligence disclosure, and various Texas-specific policy requirements related to abortion funding, energy company boycotts, and Israel boycotts, among other provisions outlined in the Solicitation Affirmations form.