5-Year Contract for Services Needed to Continue SCID-SMA Screening as Part of the Newborn Screening Program

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) of Texas is soliciting competitive bids for a five-year contract to provide annual preventative maintenance, repair services for Eppendorf epMotion equipment, and annual temperature verification for Eppendorf Mastercycler X40 equipment, critical to the state’s newborn screening program for SCID-SMA. The contract, identified as HHS0017038, will initially run from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with options for annual renewals up to August 31, 2031, at the agency’s sole discretion. Bids must strictly conform to the specified brand names and model numbers, and only responses submitted in full compliance with the Invitation for Bid (IFB) requirements will be considered. Proposals are due by April 21, 2026, and must be submitted via email to pcsbids@hhs.texas.gov or through the HHS Online Bid Room, with file sizes not exceeding 25 MB and limited to Microsoft Office or PDF formats. No hard copies or external file links are accepted. Award will be made on a best value basis, considering non-price factors first, including conformance to technical specifications, past performance verified through the CPA Vendor Performance Tracking System (VPTS) with a minimum rating of “C,” and the bidder’s demonstrated ability to meet performance and financial obligations. Price is evaluated only after non-price factors are deemed acceptable. Contractors must comply with stringent personnel standards, including background checks covering Texas and out-of-state criminal records, prohibition of individuals with certain convictions, and mandatory uniform and badge requirements. All personnel must be proficient in English, and contractors must maintain 24/7 emergency contact availability and a live telephone line during business hours. Insurance policies must be occurrence-based, issued by Texas-authorized carriers rated A or better by A.M. Best, and name HHS as additional insured with waiver of subrogation. Contractors are responsible for all packaging, labeling, and transportation, and must retain records for seven years post-contract for audit purposes. Compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, prohibition of bribery and gifts to public servants, and restrictions on foreign ownership by China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia are mandatory. Subcontractors are bound by the same obligations as the prime contractor, and no assignment of contract rights is permitted without written approval. All work must meet OEM specifications and be performed at designated HHS facilities