Repair and Maintenance of Equipment used for High-Volume Mycobacteria Growth, Detection and Susceptibility Testing at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) South Texas Laboratory

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is requesting bids for repair and maintenance services on two Bactec MGIT960 units at the DSHS South Texas Laboratory, with bids due September 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. CST under IFB HHS0017743. All technicians must hold Original Equipment Manufacturer (Becton, Dickinson and Company) certification — the primary qualification filter.

The scope covers a five-day preventative maintenance service plan from contract award through August 31, 2027, with one annual preventative maintenance visit including cleaning, adjustments, and parts installation; software updates at no additional charge; twenty-four-hour toll-free technical support; and Monday-through-Friday technical support from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Contractor personnel must respond to service calls within twenty-four hours during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) and complete repairs within five business days. Service location is DSHS South Texas Laboratory, 1301 S. Rangerville Road in HHS Region 11. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of three years' relevant experience; assigned personnel require a minimum of two years' relevant experience. Bidders must submit three verifiable references for similar services within the last three years.

Historical spend for similar services totaled $17,680 for January 1–August 31, 2026. Pricing must be firm and fixed for the contract life, submitted on Exhibit C, and include all labor, materials, equipment, supplies, and related expenses. The contract term runs September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with an option for one-year extension at the Agency's sole discretion. Award is contingent on HHSC Executive Commissioner approval and consideration of best value, including price, ability to meet performance requirements, and compliance with all IFB specifications. The contract is subject to availability of funds and appropriations with no guaranteed volume or usage.

Insurance requirements: workers' compensation, commercial general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), commercial automobile liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), professional liability ($1,000,000), and umbrella liability ($1,000,000). Questions are due September 1, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with responses posted September 2, 2026.