TDCJ - Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) Analysis.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) Analysis Services, targeting asbestos bulk sample analysis across multiple jurisdictions including Van Zandt County and Houston City. The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to perform 7,000 bulk sample layer analyses, with samples to be delivered to the TDCJ Region I Maintenance facility in Huntsville, Texas. Successful bidders must be licensed as a Texas asbestos laboratory and accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for bulk analysis. The contract requires electronic report submission within four hours of sample receipt and original laboratory reports within seven working days. Key deliverables include comprehensive asbestos presence analysis with strict reporting timelines. The bid opening is scheduled for August 11, 2025, at 3 P.M., with electronic submissions preferred via email to bids@tdcj.texas.gov. The base contract term is September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026, with options to renew for four additional one-year periods through August 31, 2030.

While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, vendors must meet rigorous qualification standards, including maintaining specific laboratory credentials and complying with correctional facility security procedures. The solicitation includes comprehensive insurance requirements, mandating minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 and auto coverage of $500,000. Potential price adjustments may be considered at contract renewal based on a TDCJ market survey. The contract appears to be competitively bid, with no incumbent vendor explicitly identified. Vendors must be prepared to provide detailed business information, including social security numbers for key personnel, tax identification, and potential conflict of interest disclosures. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement involves analyzing 7,000 bulk samples, which suggests a significant potential contract value. The terms and conditions emphasize compliance with Texas Government Code provisions, ethical standards, and strict confidentiality requirements.