Laboratory Courier Services

Background
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is seeking proposals from qualified entities to provide laboratory courier services for the DSHS Public Health Laboratory located in Austin, Texas.
The laboratory plays a crucial role in public health by examining and analyzing human blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells. It serves approximately 421 healthcare facilities across Texas, facilitating the timely and safe transportation of specimens essential for patient care and research.

Work Details
Contractors will be responsible for providing comprehensive courier services that include:
1. Package Handling and Transportation: Ensuring confidentiality, security, and integrity of specimens during transport; maintaining proper temperature control using appropriate transport containers; providing necessary personnel and materials for temperature maintenance.

2. Real-Time Tracking: Implementing a system for online tracking of packages with detailed reporting on pick-up and delivery statuses.

3. Package Pick-up: Offering daily pick-up services at Submitter Sites with specific scheduling requirements; ensuring proper packaging of specimens.

4. Next Day Service: Delivering packages to the laboratory by 7:30 a.m. Central Time the following day.

5. Service Disruptions Response Plan: Submitting a Continuity of Operations Contingency Plan (COOP) to address service interruptions.

6. Reporting: Notifying the laboratory of any issues with deliveries or packaging within specified time frames.

Period of Performance
The initial term of the contract will be three years, with an option for DSHS to extend it for up to two additional years.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed within the State of Texas, specifically involving transportation to the DSHS Public Health Laboratory located at 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, Texas.