Service Agreement for Artel Liquid Han

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are seeking a full-service maintenance agreement for specialized Artel liquid handling and pipette calibration equipment located in the Newborn Screening DNA Lab and Serology Lab in Austin, Texas. The procurement specifically covers three Artel systems: a PCS2 Pipette Calibration System, an MVS Multichannel Verification System, and a PCS Pipette Calibration System. Key deliverables include annual preventative maintenance, recalibration services, ISO 17025 calibration certificates, and comprehensive technical support. Vendor qualifications mandate direct performance by trained and certified service engineers, with no subcontracting permitted due to the equipment's critical public health applications. The solicitation (HHS0015915) was posted on March 10, 2025, with questions due by March 14, 2025, and bid responses required by March 24, 2025, at 10:30 AM. The initial contract term runs from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025, with potential renewals for up to four additional one-year terms through August 31, 2030. Evaluation criteria will focus on best value to the state, considering factors such as specification compliance, performance delivery, and competitive pricing.

The solicitation encourages, but does not mandate, participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) through a subcontracting plan. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly outlined, vendors must meet comprehensive compliance requirements, including tax status verification, child support obligations, cybersecurity training, and employment eligibility verification. Bidders are required to provide a minimum of three verifiable references for similar contracts, demonstrate operational capabilities, and submit detailed company information including years in business, employee count, and staff certifications. The historical spending for similar services is documented at $64,190.00 for the period from September 1, 2021, to August 31, 2025. Vendors must provide proof of insurance and comply with state standards of conduct, with potential contract values tied to meeting specific performance and regulatory standards. The procurement includes provisions for performance monitoring and potential price adjustments based on consumer price indices, suggesting a flexible approach to contract management that aligns with state fiscal requirements.