LabWare Maintenance & Operations (M&O) / Texas Laboratory Online (TLO) Integration

The Health and Human Services Commission, acting on behalf of the Department of State Health Services, is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive Maintenance and Operations services for the LabWare Laboratory Information Management System, including integration with the Texas Laboratory Online system and associated licensing and administrative support. The contract requires the vendor to deliver system administration, configuration, patching, troubleshooting, defect resolution, and critical enhancements such as interfacing LabWare with the iConnect application for electronic test ordering and reporting in public health microbiology and clinical chemistry, as well as securely connecting to the TLO system for the transmission of patient-specific test data. All services must comply with HIPAA and the HHS Information Security and Privacy Requirements, given the handling of Protected Health Information. The work will be performed in Texas, with all data and systems strictly confined to U.S. borders, and no contractor personnel located outside the United States may access confidential information. The solicitation mandates that respondents meet strict eligibility thresholds, including a minimum of five years in business or equivalent executive experience in LIMS, along with demonstrated financial solvency and adequate capitalization. Proposals must be submitted via two sealed USB drives containing a Technical/General Response, a Public Information Act Copy, and an Excel Cost Proposal with active formulas compatible with Microsoft Office 2016, all labeled per exact specifications. Responses must include complete affirmations and certifications such as the HHS Solicitation Affirmations, FFATA Certification, lobbying disclosure, HUB subcontracting plan, and VPAT for accessibility compliance. Financial submissions require audited statements for 2023 through 2025, including management discussion and analysis and actuarial opinions. Insurance coverage as outlined in Exhibit I must be secured, with possible parent entity guarantees if the respondent is owned by another corporation. The contract will initially run for three years, with options to extend for up to two additional one-year periods and a possible one-time additional extension for urgent needs. Award will be based on a best value determination prioritizing qualifications (35%), cost (30%), narrative proposal (20%), and technical proposal (15%), with all submissions becoming the property of HHSC and treated as binding offers upon receipt.