Laboratory Testing Services for Field Personnel

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is seeking a qualified laboratory testing facility to provide phlebotomy services and comprehensive support for field personnel engaged in baseline and routine surveillance testing for employees exposed to pesticides, primarily focusing on Cholinesterase, Brucella, and Tuberculosis diagnostics. The contract, solicited under number 554-26-004 and governed by Texas state law with venue exclusively in Travis County, operates on a no-minimum, as-needed basis with firm fixed pricing for all services, including draw fees and sample processing costs, which must be fully encapsulated in the unit price per line item on the mandatory pricing schedule. Services must be performed across multiple facilities located within a 50-mile radius of each TAHC office statewide, with operations running Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and requiring immediate communication of critical lab results anytime, day or night. The contractor is fully responsible for supplying all specimen collection and transport materials—including tubes, tourniquets, needles, sharps containers, and bio-hazard equipment—at no additional cost to TAHC, while maintaining strict chain of custody and ensuring sample integrity throughout transit. Laboratory results must be transmitted securely via electronic portal in compliance with HIPAA, with quarterly reports due to Human Resources within 30 days of quarter-end, and all TAHC inquiries acknowledged within one business day. The contract term begins September 1, 2026, and expires August 31, 2027, with optional one-year renewals extendable up to two additional years, and a possible six-month extension at TAHC’s sole discretion. Proposals must be submitted in sealed containers by June 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. CT to the TAHC Purchasing Department in Austin, Texas, with email and fax submissions rejected. Evaluation follows a best value standard, assessing cost (40%), past performance and qualifications (30%), and compliance with the statement of work (30%), with stringent pass/fail gates disqualifying respondents with a vendor performance score below C or those currently under a corrective action plan with the Comptroller of Public Accounts. Full compliance with Texas Government Code, insurance requirements—including statutory workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, and $1M commercial general liability with $2M aggregate limits—and bonding (performance and payment bonds triggered above $100,000 and $25,000 respectively) are mandatory.