Emergency Armed and Unarmed Security Guard Services – Region 01

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is soliciting competitive bids for emergency armed and unarmed security guard services in Region 1 under solicitation number HHS0017356, with responses due by July 9, 2026, and an anticipated contract start date of September 1, 2026. The procurement is governed by the Texas Government Code and the Federal Acquisition Regulation, with awards based on the best value standard, considering factors including compliance with requirements, performance delivery capability, past vendor performance, and lowest pricing as submitted in Exhibit C, which requires firm, fixed hourly rates for armed and unarmed guards during regular and emergency/disaster conditions. The contract term is one year, running from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with two optional one-year renewals and a potential one-year extension. All pricing is all-inclusive, and the state will not reimburse for travel, per diem, equipment, or any incidental expenses. Contractor obligations include supplying all labor, equipment, and materials, ensuring all guards are licensed to carry firearms if armed, have at least one year of documented security experience, are fluent in English, and are not paid for overtime or state holidays. Background checks are required per DFPS standards, and all personnel must comply with E-Verify and state fingerprinting requirements. The contractor must maintain umbrella liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and primary coverage compliant with Texas standards, issued by companies rated A or better by A.M. Best on an occurrence basis, with certificates submitted within ten days of award and renewed before each monthly payment. The contract includes mandatory compliance with Texas anti-discrimination laws, human trafficking prohibitions, and federal safety standards. HUB and VetHUB subcontracting is required, with prime contractors obligated to notify certified VetHUBs of subcontracting opportunities using a standardized template and allowing seven business days for response. Invoices must be submitted monthly, include the purchase order number and detailed work description, and are subject to payment under the Texas Prompt Payment Act upon agency verification of satisfactory performance. The state retains audit rights, including the ability to review contractor records and conduct investigations. Late submissions will be disqualified, responses must be submitted electronically via email to pcsbids@hhs.texas.gov or through the HHS Online Bid Room, and must be in Microsoft Office or Adobe PDF format with a maximum file size of 25 MB; hard copies are not accepted.