Transportation and Storage of Human Remains

Potter County Commissioners' Court is seeking qualified vendors to provide transportation and storage of human remains through a formal bid (RFB #1270-25) for a one-year contract period from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with a potential one-year renewal option. The contract requires a vendor to remove and transport approximately 177 deceased persons annually from death scenes in Potter County to forensic labs within or outside the county, including return trips directed by local Justices of the Peace. Contractors must provide 24-hour service with communication-equipped vehicles, responding within 40 minutes to calls and maintaining a storage facility capable of holding multiple bodies. Key service requirements include wrapping bodies in clean white sheets, using body bags, and following specific transportation and storage protocols outlined in Texas Administrative Code. The bid evaluation will consider factors such as lowest and best bid, past performance, references, and overall cost, with pricing assessed on a per-body/call basis, including additional charges for mileage, standby time, refrigerated storage, and body bags. Bids are due by 10:00 a.m. Central Time on August 29, 2025, and can be submitted electronically via Bonfire or mailed to the Potter County Purchasing Department in Amarillo, Texas.

The bid documents do not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, mandating workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and automobile liability coverage with minimum limits ranging from $100,000 to $2,000,000. While the document does not mention an incumbent vendor or existing infrastructure, the contract suggests a need for specialized vehicles, communication systems, and refrigerated storage facilities for human remains. The bid does not provide a specific total contract value or budget range, instead focusing on per-body and per-call pricing structures. Potential bidders should note the technical and operational complexities of the contract, which require significant logistical capabilities, rapid response times, and adherence to strict medical and legal protocols for handling human remains. The contract represents a critical service for Potter County's forensic and legal processes, requiring vendors with specialized transportation, storage, and communication capabilities.