Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) seeks a single qualified reference laboratory partner capable of furnishing end-to-end clinical laboratory testing and on-site phlebotomy services that support all TCPH outpatient clinics, including Immunizations, Tuberculosis (TB)/Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI), HIV/STD, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) programs. The selected vendor will offer a certified phlebotomist at TCPH Main clinic and also offer training for TCPH staff in phlebotomy procedures at TCPH satellite locations as needed. 1. CONTRACT TERMS: Vendor(s) will be awarded a twelve (12) month contract, effective from the date of award or notice to proceed as determined by the Tarrant County Purchasing Department. At Tarrant County's option and approval by the Vendor, the contract may be renewed for two (2) additional twelve (12) month periods, as further explained in Renewal Options. Prices must remain firm for the entire contract. 2. RENEWAL OPTIONS: Tarrant County reserves the right to exercise an option to renew the contract of the Vendor for two (2) additional twelve (12) month periods, provided such option is stipulated and agreed upon by both parties. If Tarrant County exercises the right in writing, the Vendor must update and submit any documents required during the initial solicitation by no later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the commencement of the option period. Required documents must be in force for the full period of the option. If the updated documents are not submitted by the Vendor in complete form within the time specified, Tarrant County may rescind its option or seek a new solicitation.
Background
Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) is seeking a qualified reference laboratory partner to provide comprehensive clinical laboratory testing and on-site phlebotomy services for its outpatient clinics. The goal of this contract is to support various health programs, including Immunizations, Tuberculosis (TB)/Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI), HIV/STD, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The selected vendor will be responsible for providing a certified phlebotomist at the TCPH Main clinic and training TCPH staff in phlebotomy procedures at satellite locations as needed.
Work Details
The contractor will be required to:
1. Staff, equip, and operate a dedicated onsite phlebotomy draw station at the primary clinics, capable of serving multiple TCPH outpatient clinics. This includes provision of all consumables and patient-facing logistics.
2. Provide all equipment, consumables, and supplies necessary for phlebotomy services at TCPH clinics.
3. Offer ongoing phlebotomy training programs for TCPH staff at satellite clinics with occasional draw needs.
4. Process specimens and provide courier pick-up at least once daily at both the main site and satellite clinics, including STAT specimen pickup and processing.
5. Perform high complexity testing in a CLIA certified laboratory.
6. Interface with TCPH’s EMR (HL7 2.x) for electronic ordering and result posting; ensure redundant result delivery during downtime.
7. Maintain an automated critical value alert system covering analytes approved by TCPH’s Medical Director.
8. Bill third-party insurance where available; invoice TCPH for uninsured patients.
9. Provide a dedicated account manager and 24/7 customer support line.
10. Participate in quality assurance committees and supply monthly QA and incident reports.
Period of Performance
The contract will have an initial term of twelve (12) months from the date of award or notice to proceed, with options for two additional twelve-month renewals upon mutual agreement.
Place of Performance
The services will be performed primarily at Tarrant County Public Health Main Clinic located at 1101 S Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76104, as well as other TCPH outpatient clinics.
Bidder Requirements
Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of five years of continuous operation as a high complexity CLIA-certified laboratory serving public health or FQHC clients with an annual test volume of at least 50,000 tests. They must provide proof of CAP accreditation from the most recent inspection cycle, documented interface deployments with EHR systems, Texas licensed or nationally certified phlebotomy staff. Experience with 340B billing and Ryan White grant compliance is desirable.
