Somacount FC Somatic Cell Counter

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are conducting a formal Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. HHS0016180 for the procurement of a Somacount FC Somatic Cell Counter, which involves acquiring a specialized laboratory instrument and associated equipment. The solicitation covers one complete system including a non-networked computer, locally connected printer, spare parts, and a consumable kit for 3000 samples. Key deliverables include the instrument itself, installation, and on-site training, with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. The procurement spans jurisdictions including Travis County and multiple Austin City locations, targeting scientific or medical testing environments. Bidders will be evaluated based on meeting technical specifications, performance delivery requirements, and pricing, with the award going to the vendor providing the best value to the State of Texas. Critical dates include May 20, 2025, for questions submission, and May 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM for bid responses, with an anticipated contract start date of May 29, 2025. Evaluation criteria emphasize compliance with detailed specifications outlined in the solicitation documents, including technical capabilities and pricing submitted via the provided Pricing Sheet.

While a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan is not mandatory for this procurement, bidders are encouraged to identify and submit subcontracting opportunities if applicable. The historical spend for similar goods is approximately $75,000 for the period of September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025, suggesting a modest budget range for this procurement. Vendors must complete comprehensive legal affirmations, including certifications related to antitrust laws, cybersecurity training, business ethics, and compliance with state and federal regulations. The solicitation requires vendors to disclose potential conflicts of interest, maintain proper permits and licenses, and adhere to specific state procurement guidelines. Potential bidders must register for the Enterprise Portal and HHS Online Bid Room, a process that can take up to five business days to receive login credentials. Both HHSC and DSHS will be entitled to use the resulting contract, which allows for potential price adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for contracts with renewal options.