Rapid DNA Systems

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is soliciting proposals for FBI-approved Rapid DNA Systems to support crime laboratory operations. The procurement seeks three units of either Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID Systems or ANDE 6C Instrument Series G systems, with associated service plans covering years two through five following the manufacturer's initial one-year warranty. Systems will be deployed at Montgomery County Jail in Conroe and Williamson County Jail in Georgetown, with requirements including DNA profile generation in a minimum of 90 minutes, touchscreen display, facial recognition, barcode camera, and fingerprint reader capabilities. Electronic responses will be accepted until 5:00 P.M. Central Time on December 11, 2025, submitted to DPS_Solicit_Response@dps.texas.gov or through the DPS Online Bid Room. The anticipated contract award date is January 2026, with an initial five-year contract term and potential six-month extension for transition purposes. Evaluation criteria mandate that respondents be FBI-approved Rapid DNA System providers authorized for CODIS/NDIS use, with vendor performance assessed through the Vendor Performance Tracking System.

The solicitation encourages responses from qualified vendors, though it is advertised as sole source or proprietary to specific manufacturers. No specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, but the procurement documents include provisions for HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) certification and preferences for Texas-based businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned enterprises, and businesses using recycled materials or energy-efficient products. Vendors must demonstrate financial capability through audited financial statements, D&B reports, or financial stability statements, with the state reserving the right to investigate financial integrity throughout the contract life. While no specific contract value is disclosed, the procurement requires comprehensive service plans including diagnostics, repair, parts, labor, travel, loaner instruments, software and hardware upgrades, and annual planned maintenance. Respondents scoring less than a C in vendor performance, those under corrective action plans, or with cancelled purchase orders in the previous 12 months are ineligible for award, ensuring a high standard of vendor qualification and performance.