PM Service Agreement for Agilent Instruments

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) have issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for a preventive maintenance service agreement for Agilent Instruments, specifically targeting laboratory assay washer and reader equipment used by the DSHS Laboratory Serology Team. The procurement covers maintenance services for four specific Agilent Technologies instruments: a 405 LS Washer, two 800TS ABS Readers, and a 50TS Washer, located at the Texas Department of State Health Services Laboratory in Austin. The service requires a comprehensive annual maintenance plan including unlimited telephone support, priority response, unlimited travel and labor, parts and consumables, and annual preventative maintenance, with on-site coverage between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Central Time, Monday to Friday, and 24/7 technical support. Contractors must provide factory-trained service engineers and are prohibited from subcontracting the work. The solicitation (HHS0016759) was posted on October 27, 2025, with questions due by November 6, 2025, and bid responses due by November 17, 2025. The initial contract term will begin upon award and expire on August 31, 2026, with options for up to four 1-year renewals through August 31, 2030. Evaluation criteria will focus on the bidder's ability to meet specifications, performance delivery requirements, and overall best value to the state.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must complete multiple exhibits, including Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations), Exhibit B (Terms and Conditions), Exhibit C (Pricing Sheet), and Exhibit D (Bidder Reference Qualifications Form). To be considered, bidders must provide a minimum of three verifiable references for similar contracts within the last five years, demonstrate at least three years of experience with Agilent Instrument maintenance, and provide detailed information about their operational capabilities, including employee count, industry certifications, and technical support expertise. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the pricing will be based on a total annual service agreement rate for maintaining and providing software upgrades to the specified laboratory equipment. The contract is critical for supporting serological diagnostic testing of clinical specimens, including diseases like Chagas, Strongyloides, and West Nile Virus. Potential bidders must carefully review all solicitation documents and comply with the comprehensive legal and regulatory requirements outlined in the various exhibits to be considered for the contract.