RFP - Automated Pharmacy Dispensing System for Centralized Distribution

Harris Health System, a public healthcare provider in Harris County, Texas, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to procure and implement an automated pharmacy dispensing system (ADS) for centralized distribution across multiple facilities. The system must support high-volume medication distribution for two inpatient central pharmacies, multiple hospital-outpatient department specialty clinics, an outpatient infusion center pharmacy, and sixteen ambulatory care services clinics, with the primary objective of improving medication accuracy, efficiency, and supply chain visibility. Vendors must demonstrate implementation of at least two comparable centralized distribution centers within the last five years and provide a solution supporting an HL7-based, bi-directional interface compatible with Epic Willow Inventory (WINV), which will serve as the system of record. The proposed system will be deployed at the Holly Hall Central Distribution Center, scheduled for substantial completion on November 19, 2026, with system go-live anticipated in September 2027. The initial contract term is one year from the effective date with seven optional one-year renewal periods available for maintenance and support. Evaluation criteria weights pricing at 35 percent, solution design at 35 percent, and vendor qualifications and experience at 30 percent. Mandatory key dates include a pre-proposal conference on March 25, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. CST via Microsoft Teams, written questions due by March 27, 2026 with responses posted by April 6, 2026, proposal submission deadline of April 13, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. CST through the Euna eProcurement platform, evaluation period from April 14 through May 8, 2026, and Board of Trustees award approval anticipated for June 10, 2026 with agreement execution by September 1, 2026.

Harris Health has published M/WBE utilization requirements that all offerors must meet or face potential rejection; specific utilization goals are referenced but require review of the complete solicitation documents. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available materials. All vendors must comply with extensive mandatory requirements including HIPAA compliance, completion of a System Security Validation Document, vendor credentialing, execution of a Business Associate Agreement, anti-boycott certifications, debarment and suspension certifications, tax certifications, and vendor exclusion list compliance confirming that neither the vendor nor any principals appear on the GSA's List of Parties Excluded from Federal Programs or the HHS/OIG exclusion list. Insurance requirements include Workers Compensation with $1,000,000 limits, Commercial General Liability with $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate limits, Automobile Liability with $1,000,000 combined single limits, Umbrella/Excess Liability with $1,000,000 limits, and Professional/Errors & Omissions Liability of $1,000,000 where applicable, all issued by carriers with minimum A.M. Best ratings of A-VII. Proposals must include comprehensive pricing using a standardized spreadsheet template covering a seven-year cost of ownership period encompassing capital costs, annual operating expenses, and optional items; however, no specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the available solicitation materials. Harris Health reserves the right to award to a single vendor or reject any and all proposals in accordance with Texas law.