HHS0017406 Insulated shippers and cold packs

The Texas Department of State Health Services is soliciting insulated shippers and cold packs under solicitation number HHS0017406, with responses due by July 6, 2026. The contract, set to begin on September 1, 2026, and expire on August 31, 2027, may be renewed for up to four additional one-year terms and extended by one year for continuity or transition purposes. The NAICS code 488991 applies, and the delivery location is throughout the State of Texas. The solicitation requires firm, fixed unit prices for all items, inclusive of labor, materials, equipment, and all related expenses, with no automatic price adjustments permitted—contractors must immediately implement any price reductions that occur during the term. The quantities listed are estimates only and do not guarantee purchase. Offerors must submit pricing exclusively through Exhibit C and are prohibited from including exceptions or assumptions, as these may lead to disqualification. Technical compliance is a mandatory pass/fail gate, with award based on best value considering price, performance delivery, ability to perform, and past vendor performance, though the lowest price does not guarantee selection. All shipments must comply with strict packaging and labeling requirements, including shrink-wrapping and labeling of pallets and outer cartons with the description of contents, agency purchase order number, and quantity per carton. Deliveries are restricted to 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, excluding 11:00 AM to noon, and must be complete with no split deliveries unless requested. Rejected items—including reworked goods, seconds, or previously refused products—must be returned at the vendor’s expense, including storage, handling, and pickup costs, with the vendor also bearing the cost of verification tests if non-compliance is found. The contractor is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary licenses, insurance, permits, and certifications at its own cost. Full compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws, E-Verify requirements, human trafficking prohibitions, and safety standards is mandatory. Contractors must provide a Texas Identification Number (TIN), SAM.gov UEI, DUNS number, FEIN, and other state registrations to receive payment. All contract work, including intellectual property, is the exclusive property of the state agency. The HHS Uniform Terms and Conditions, along with Texas Government Code provisions, govern the contract, including termination for convenience or cause, confidentiality, dispute resolution, and governing law. Responses