HHS0017132 Culture Media Test

The contract HHS0017132 is an Invitation for Bids issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services under the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the procurement of specialized culture media used in food sample testing. The solicitation, posted on May 15, 2026, with a response deadline of June 2, 2026, seeks vendors to supply microbiological detection systems including R&F® products for Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterobacter sakazakii, with defined quantities per kit but no disclosed pricing. The base contract period runs from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027, with up to four one-year renewal options and a potential one-year extension at the agency’s discretion. Deliveries must be made to designated Texas state facilities in Austin, with packaging strictly requiring outer cartons labeled with content description, purchase order number, and quantity per carton; pallets must be shrink-wrapped and labeled, and vendors are prohibited from mixing brands or making split deliveries without authorization. Performance is governed by compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, TNI 2016, CAP standards, and FDA regulations, though packaging specifications do not reference military standards. Awards will be based on a best-value trade-off analysis weighing technical compliance, ability to meet delivery requirements, and price — not necessarily the lowest bid. All vendors must submit Exhibit A affirmations, including a valid SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier, and disclose any legal actions, prior state employment, or claims of confidential information. The contract includes stringent audit and access rights for state and federal agencies, flow-down obligations to subcontractors, prohibitions on non-compete clauses and gifts to public officials, and mandatory E-Verify compliance. Proposals must be submitted via email, HHS Online Bid Room, or designated delivery to Austin, with strict format and size limits, and failure to include required exhibits will result in automatic disqualification.