Primary Department: Purchasing
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Kimberly J. Williams, JD
Secondary Department: Institute of Forensic Sciences
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Award
Project ID (if applicable): 260132
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Airgas USA, LLC
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Choose an item.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of an award on the basis of lowest bid to Airgas USA, LLC in the amount of $60,000 based on estimated quantities and fixed unit pricing for specialty chemicals, industrial gases, and related items for the Institute of Forensic Sciences for the period of October 15, 2026 – October 14, 2027 with four (4) one-year renewal options (260132).
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Background and Discussion:
The Institute of Forensic Sciences (IFS) has several specialized crime laboratory equipment. IFS purchases specialty gases for the equipment in order for them to run tests for submitted evidence from law enforcement. IFS also developed protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) using specific gases.
Expected Impact:
With this contract, IFS will have a reliable vendor to provide specialized gases to continue running the crime laboratory equipment. This will ensure that IFS will be able to use its developed protocols and SOPs to timely analyze evidence. If there is an interruption to specialty gases, there will be an increase in evidence turn-around time and backlogs.
Alternative Options:
N/A
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: B: Reduce criminal legal system exposure that does not advance public safe...
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