Standards, Consumables and Instrument Parts

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) have issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. HHS0016795 for Standards, Consumables, and Instrument Parts specifically for the Organic Chemistry Group's drinking water sample analysis. The procurement seeks to acquire specialized laboratory supplies essential for ensuring compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, including 24 specific line items such as gold-plated inlet seals, chromatography standards, gas chromatography liners, deuterium lamps, and other technical components used in water quality testing. The solicitation was posted on October 24, 2025, with questions due by November 4, 2025, and bid responses required by November 12, 2025, at 10:30 AM. The anticipated contract start date is November 13, 2025, with an initial term expiring on August 31, 2026. Evaluation criteria will focus on best value to the State of Texas, considering the bidder's ability to meet specifications, performance delivery requirements, and pricing. Contractors must submit firm, fixed prices using Exhibit C - Pricing Sheet and are required to provide comprehensive documentation including HHS Solicitation Affirmations and Contract Affirmations.

The solicitation does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must complete a comprehensive set of 62 legal and ethical certifications, including compliance with state and federal laws, non-discrimination provisions, cybersecurity requirements, and specific prohibitions related to various political and ethical standards. Historical spend for similar goods ranges between $25,050 and $50,000 for fiscal year 2025, with potential contract extensions for up to one year. The procurement allows for potential price adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), requiring contractors to immediately implement any available price decreases. Vendors must register through the IAMOnline portal to access the online bid room, with registration potentially taking several days and support available through a help desk. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will track vendor performance throughout the contract term, and failure to comply with any specified provisions could result in contract termination or disqualification.