This Invitation for Bids (IFB) from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is for a D10 Hemoglobin Testing System with a rack loader. The system is an ion-exchange HPLC designed for precise and reproducible results of hemoglobin binding proteins, including dual testing programs for HBA1C and fetal screening (HBA2, HBF). It is intended to replace an existing analyzer. Both HHSC and DSHS will be entitled to use any awarded contract. Bidders must submit a comprehensive response that meets all requirements. The procurement schedule includes a questions/clarifications submission deadline of May 7, 2026, and a response deadline of May 18, 2026, at 10:30 AM Central Time. The anticipated contract start date is May 19, 2026. Bidders must adhere to specific submission instructions, including email or online bid room submissions, and ensure timely receipt of their responses. Failure to comply with submission requirements may lead to disqualification. The evaluation criteria will consider the bidder's ability to meet requirements, performance delivery, and price, with the award going to the bidder offering the best value to the state. The contract term is from the date of award until August 31, 2026, with a potential one-year extension option. Invoicing and payment will follow the Texas Prompt Payment Act. Bidders are required to disclose interested parties by submitting Form **** responses are subject to the Texas Public Information Act.
The bid notice does not explicitly state a delivery deadline for the goods. It mentions an anticipated contract start date of May 19, 2026, and an initial contract term expiring August 31, 2026, but specific delivery timelines are not detailed in the provided text.
The bid notice states that HHS system agency will make contract payments in accordance with chapter **** of the Texas Government Code, commonly known as the Texas Prompt Payment Act. This chapter governs remittance of payment and contractor remedies for late payment and nonpayment.
The bid notice states that HHSC shall not be obligated to select the bidder with the lowest price but shall make an award to the bidder who provides the best value to the state of Texas, considering bidder meeting or exceeding requirements, ability to meet performance delivery, and price.
To be considered for award, bidders must submit a comprehensive response which includes all required information and documentation as outlined in this IFB to ensure the bidder meets all requirements, possesses the required experience and qualifications, and has the capacity to provide the goods and/or services described in this IFB.
The bid notice mentions that the contractor's noncompliance or failure to timely correct a deficiency may result in delayed payment or nonpayment as determined by the HHS agency. It also states that HHSC reserves the right to purchase late items on an emergency basis and charge any resulting increase in price to the awarded vendor.
The bid notice states that Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 391, Subchapter C provides a formal protest procedure to be used by any bidder who is allegedly aggrieved in connection with the IFB, evaluation, or award of a contract by HHSC.
The bid notice states that historical spend for the same or similar goods or services was between $45,**** to $80,**** for the period FY 2025. The estimated historical spend is provided only as a guideline for preparing the pricing response and should not be construed as representing anticipated or actual quantities that will be required.
