Wastewater Testing for DSHS

Background
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is an agency within the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system. The Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) division of HHSC administers Invitations for Bids (IFBs) for HHS. HHSC PCS is seeking competitive bids to establish a contract for as-needed services to collect and test samples from wastewater collection locations and sewersheds throughout Texas. This is to assess the population prevalence of emerging disease- and infection-causing microorganisms, as designated by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Both HHS Agencies, HHSC and DSHS, will be entitled to use any contract awarded as a result of this IFB.

Work Details
The contractor will provide services including:
- Collecting wastewater samples from various locations in Texas;
- Testing these samples for emerging diseases such as mpox (monkeypox) and SARs-CoV-2;
- Measuring variant-specific concentrations of infectious microorganisms;
- Extracting genetic material;
- Providing weekly electronic reports detailing the identity of microorganisms and aggregate data on concentrations found in collected samples.

The contractor must be located in Texas, able to provide statewide services immediately upon contract award, and pricing must be all-inclusive per sample collected. Service locations may include assisted living facilities, retirement communities, correctional facilities, food processing facilities, university dormitories, and municipalities.

Period of Performance
The initial contract term will begin on September 1, 2026, and expire on August 31, 2027. There are options for up to four one-year renewals.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed at various wastewater collection locations across Texas as determined by DSHS.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must submit a completed Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan (HSP) with their response. The contractor's personnel must have at least one year of relevant experience. All personnel must pass background checks conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Additionally, the contractor must provide three verifiable references for similar services performed within the last year.