Repair and Maintenance of Equipment used for High-Volume Mycobacteria Growth, Detection and Susceptibility Testing at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) South Texas Laboratory

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), through its Procurement and Contracting Services division, is soliciting competitive bids to establish one or more contracts for the repair and maintenance of specialized laboratory equipment used for high-volume mycobacteria growth, detection, and susceptibility testing at the Texas Department of State Health Services South Texas Laboratory. Both HHSC and DSHS will have access to any contract awarded under this solicitation, identified by number HHS0017743, which was posted on August 5, 2026, with responses due by August 19, 2026. The North American Industry Classification System code is 811210, and the contract falls under a state and local government (SLED) procurement. All proposals must be submitted electronically via email to [email hidden] or via USB drive to the designated address in Austin, Texas; paper submissions are not accepted. Offerors must comply with strict formatting guidelines, including using Microsoft Office formats for non-signed documents and PDF for signed items, with no single attachment exceeding 25 MB and no external links permitted. The solicitation requires submission of multiple exhibits including Exhibit A for affirmations, Exhibit C for pricing, Exhibit D for bidder references, and Exhibit F for Texas identification information, alongside an Addendum Acknowledgement Form if applicable. Bidders must possess a Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov and may claim optional state-level preferences related to Texas residency, locally grown or manufactured goods, energy efficiency, or recycled content, though no formal federal socioeconomic certifications are required. Key evaluation criteria include conformance to technical specifications, demonstrated past performance rated at least “C” on the Vendor Performance Tracking System, financial capability, and price, with award based on best value rather than lowest price technically acceptable. The successful bidder must ensure all personnel undergo comprehensive criminal and sex offender background checks across seven years of residence, pass SSN verification, and be free of disqualifying convictions; unauthorized personnel may be removed and replaced upon request. Contractors are obligated to maintain insurance naming HHS as additional insured with A.M. Best A-rated carriers, provide two 24/7 contacts for urgent issues, enforce strict conduct policies including uniform and badge requirements, prohibit intoxicants and smoking on-site, and ensure subcontractors meet identical compliance obligations. Access to all records and facilities is unrestricted for audit by state and federal agencies, and contractors must retain documentation for seven years. Invoicing must occur monthly with proper contract identification and