D-10 Hemoglobin Testing System with Rack Loader

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) solicitation HHS0017310 for the procurement of a D-10 Hemoglobin Testing System with Rack Loader to replace laboratory equipment at the South Texas Lab in Harlingen, Texas that has exceeded its useful life. The specific deliverables include one D-10 Hemoglobin Testing System Compact Analyzer (Part #120104105), two D-10 Power Cords 110V (Part #2200404), and one D-10 Rack Loader with accessories (Part #2200600) capable of loading up to 50 samples for automated walk-away capability. This ion-exchange HPLC system is designed to provide precise hemoglobin binding protein analysis for HbA1c and fetal screening applications. The solicitation was posted to the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) on May 1, 2026, with a response deadline of May 18, 2026, at 10:30 AM Central Time; the question submission deadline is May 7, 2026, with responses posted on May 8, 2026. Pricing must be firm and fixed for the life of the contract using the required Pricing Sheet (Exhibit C), with no substitutions permitted without prior written approval. Evaluation will be based on bidder qualifications, ability to meet performance and delivery requirements, and price, with HHSC reserving the right to award to the bidder offering best value rather than the lowest price. The initial contract term runs from the award date (anticipated May 19, 2026) through August 31, 2026, with an extension option of up to one additional year at HHSC's sole discretion.

This procurement does not include set-aside designations specific to disadvantaged enterprises, though Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting plans are encouraged but not required. All bidders must submit completed and signed Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations) and the completed Exhibit C Pricing Sheet with unit prices for all three line items, and failure to submit required exhibits will result in bid disqualification. Bidders must certify compliance with extensive state and federal requirements including suspension and debarment status, conflicts of interest, fraud and abuse reporting obligations, E-Verify requirements, cybersecurity training, data security controls, and various Texas-specific statutory requirements related to abortion funding limitations, firearm industry discrimination, energy company boycotts, and Israel boycotts. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. Historical spending for similar goods ranged from $45,050 to $80,000 for fiscal year 2025, provided as a guideline only and not representing guaranteed volumes or compensation. Price adjustments are permitted at HHSC's sole discretion based on the Consumer Price Index formula specified in the contract documents, and contractors may request adjustments based on federal minimum wage increases with supporting documentation. The contract is contingent on HHSC Executive Commissioner approval and subject to appropriations and fund availability, with no guaranteed volume or compensation to contractors.