Vaccine Book Titled: The Shots Book

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the procurement of educational materials titled "The Shots Book" by Ethan Posard, seeking 10,000 English-language copies (ISBN# 978-0986196508) and 2,500 Spanish-language copies (ISBN# 978-0986196515). The procurement is specific to Travis County and Austin City jurisdictions, with deliveries required to HHSC/PrintMailPro in Austin, Texas between January and February 2025. The contract period will run from January 22, 2025, through June 30, 2025, with a potential one-year extension option. Key deadlines include January 8, 2025, for submitting questions, with responses posted by January 9, 2025, and the final bid response deadline of January 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central Time. The solicitation requires firm and fixed pricing for the entire contract duration, with all costs inclusive of labor, equipment, materials, supplies, and related expenses. HHSC reserves the right to make single or multiple awards to achieve the best value for the state, with all awards contingent upon approval by the HHSC Executive Commissioner or designee.

The procurement includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan requirement with a 21.1% HUB utilization goal for commodities contracts, specifically targeting NIGP Class/Item Codes 715-10 (Books, Curriculum Guides) and 715-48 (Medical Books and Publications). Contractors must provide HUB vendors at least seven working days to respond to subcontracting opportunities and submit monthly Progress Assessment Reports (PAR) for contract compliance. The historical spend for similar goods and services ranges between $50,000 and $90,000 for fiscal period 2024. Potential bidders must complete and submit various documents, including Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations), Exhibit C (Pricing Sheet), Exhibit E (HUB Subcontracting Plan), and any Addendum Acknowledgement Forms. The solicitation emphasizes comprehensive compliance requirements, including cybersecurity training, E-Verify usage, and various state and federal regulatory certifications. Interested vendors must carefully review the detailed requirements in the solicitation documents, with HUB Coordinator Isaiah Wilczynski available to provide assistance and courtesy reviews of draft HSP submissions.