• Department of Information Resources (DIR) Contracts – the HHS agencies’ technology contracts under $5M, are required to utilize DIR Contracts.  All technology contracts exceeding the $5M are posted on the open market to obtain bid responses from any vendor that meets the requirements in the solicitation.  All contract awarded are based on best value.
• HHS Agency Vendor Protests – Texas Administrative Code Ch. 391
• HHS Vendor Protests – Texas Administrative Code Ch. 392
• Informal Dispute Resolution Process
• National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Commodity Book
• Rate Analysis
• Texas Business Resources: COVID-19 Resources and Information
• Texas Medicaid Healthcare Partnership
• Texas Transparency: Where the Money Goes
• Vendor Drug Program

Handbooks and Policies

• State of Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide
• HHS Vendor Interaction Policy (PDF) promotes and guides collaboration between HHS staff and the vendor community. The policy provides parameters to facilitate communication while protecting the integrity of the procurement process.
• HHS Procurement Strategic Plan — For strategic plans 2019-2023, volumes I-III.
• HHS Procurement and Contracting Improvement Plan (PDF) — Released in November 2018.

Information Security Resources

• Data Use Agreement (PDF) — A contractual agreement between HHS and external entities who access HHS confidential information.
  • Data Use Agreement FAQs (PDF)
• Information Security Assessment Supplemental Guidance for External Entities (PDF) — This document replaces the IS-RAMP and guides external entities on how to demonstrate compliance with Texas HHS Information Security and Privacy requirements.
• Information Security Controls (PDF) — The security and privacy controls contained in this document are the safeguards or countermeasures that, when implemented and enforced, will satisfy the information security compliance requirements defined in the HHS IS-Policy and applicable federal laws, executive orders, directives, policies, HHS regulations and standards.
• Privacy and Security Guide (PDF) — The Office of the National Coordinator publishes this guide for Health Information Technology. The guide helps healthcare providers ― especially Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act covered entities and Medicare eligible professionals from smaller organizations ― better understand how to integrate federal health information privacy and security requirements into their practices.
• Texas HHS Security and Privacy Inquiry (PDF) — The SPI is a questionnaire that includes a list of minimum HHS information security and privacy requirements needed for accessing HHS confidential information. An external entity must be able to confirm all requirements are "in-place" before considered eligible for doing business with HHS (additional information security and privacy requirements may apply).
• HB3834 Information Security/Cybersecurity Training Requirement for Contractors FAQ (PDF)  — As defined in Section 2054.5192 of the Texas Government Code, HHS shall require any contractor with access into an HHS computer system or database to complete a cybersecurity training program certified by the Department of Information Resources.
• Contractor Written Acknowledgement of Completion of Cybersecurity Training Program (PDF) —  This form must be completed by any HHS contractor, including the contractor’s employees, officers, and subcontractors who have access to a Texas Health and Human Services system, computer system or database, by April 30, 2020, and returned to the appropriate contract manager. The form certifies the contractor has completed a Department of Information Resource (DIR) certified cybersecurity awareness training program and is compliant with Texas Government Code 2054.5192.
• HHS Information Security/Cybersecurity Training (PDF) — This DIR-certified course was approved for HHS use and is provided in a pdf format to assist contractors with meeting contractual training requirements.

Grant resources may be found at https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/grants. For HUB resources, visit the HUB Procurement Resources page and the Toolkit for Business Development page.

Other Resources & Training

For video, recorded webinars and other training resources, including HUB training, visit the Vendor Training Center page.

Need More Help?

We are committed to working smart and working together for Texans. If you have additional questions about procurements, the procurement process, or need additional training, contact us at PCS_CST_HHSC@hhsc.state.tx.us.

Is there a resource missing? Contact Procurement and Contracting Communications at PCS_Communications@hhsc.state.tx.us.