Virtual Payment Solution for Clinical Research Participants and Related Services

The Texas state procurement system is soliciting proposals for a virtual payment solution serving clinical research participants, with proposals due October 9, 2026. The procurement requires HIPAA compliance and PCI-DSS certification — both decision-filtering qualifications for healthcare payment processing.

The scope encompasses real-time payment processing, multi-currency support, digital wallet functionality, and integration with existing clinical research management systems. The vendor must demonstrate experience managing sensitive participant financial data and provide administrative support including participant education and account management.

Pricing is structured as either per-transaction or monthly service fees. Cost proposals must itemize implementation fees, monthly service charges, transaction fees, and support costs. The exact contract value is contingent on transaction volume and service utilization, with funding drawn from the clinical research budget.

The contract term includes an initial period with renewal options, allowing the state to extend based on performance and continued need. Evaluation criteria include technical capability, pricing, security features, and prior experience in healthcare payment solutions. Set-asides for disadvantaged or minority-owned businesses may apply under Texas procurement regulations.