Standards, Consumables and Instrument Parts

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is issuing Invitation for Bids (IFB) HHS0017271 for standards, consumables, and instrument parts used by the Organic Chemistry Group in analyzing drinking water samples to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. This competitive procurement covers 20 line items including gas chromatography columns, inlet seals, electron multipliers, and chemical standards such as trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and pesticide standards, with expected quantities ranging from 1 to 15 units per line item. Respondents must submit completed Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations), the completed Exhibit C Pricing Sheet with unit pricing for each line item specified as newest available lot with longest shelf life, and any applicable Addendum Acknowledgement Forms, with all pricing provided in U.S. dollars on a firm, fixed-price basis that includes all labor, equipment, materials, supplies, and related expenses. The questions or clarifications deadline is May 5, 2026, with bids due by May 12, 2026 at 10:30 AM Central Time, with an anticipated contract start date of May 13, 2026. The initial contract term extends through August 31, 2026, with an optional extension of up to one year at the HHSC's sole discretion. Price adjustments are permitted only at HHSC's discretion and may be correlated to the Consumer Price Index using the Bureau of Labor Statistics Region VI index or based on federal minimum wage increases. All deliveries must be made between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on the specified date to the address on the issued purchase order, with the vendor responsible for payment of additional warehouse charges such as overtime or re-stacking.

No set-asides or restrictions on organization types are specified in this procurement, and no incumbent vendor or current contractor has been identified. Respondents must comply with comprehensive contractual affirmations and uniform terms and conditions established by the HHSC and Department of State Health Services, including certifications regarding debarment status, suspension eligibility, E-Verify employment verification, conflict-of-interest disclosures, human trafficking prohibitions, child support obligations, and various statutory compliance requirements related to state and federal regulations. All work product and deliverables developed under the contract are owned exclusively by the HHSC, with contractors retaining only pre-existing works incorporated under license. The historical monetary value for similar goods during FY 2025 ranged from $25,050.00 to $50,000.00, provided only as a guideline and not representing guaranteed volumes or compensation, as the contract is subject to appropriations and availability of funds with no guarantee of volume, usage, or compensation to any contractor. Bids may be submitted electronically through the HHS Online Bid Room or in person at the PCS office located at 1100 W. 49th Street in Austin, Texas, with office hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and free parking available including ADA-accessible spaces.