Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov

Solicitation Name: Liquor Tax ID Stamps & Point of Sale System Solicitation ID: 458-E260331

Addendum No. 1 Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The solicitation is amended as follows:

# Question Answer 1 Physical Tax Stamp Formats-

Would the Agency consider modifications to the current physical tax stamp format requirements?

Specifically, would the Agency be open to consolidating into two SKUs instead of three (e.g., one format designed to accommodate lower-volume orders, alongside the existing 10,000-unit roll format)?

We’d prefer to keep all three formats. The current formats were established based on need. Most smaller locations prefer sheet stamps rather than the small roll format.

The small roll format is the most commonly used overall. For our largest LPs, the 10K roll is preferable because it works with their conveyor belt systems.

2 Deliverable J – Retail-Level Traceability (Invoice Reporting) Can the Agency clarify the specific functional and reporting requirements expected under Deliverable J?

We’d like the ability to authenticate and track the lifecycle of the stamp from production to the retailer. Ideally, LP would be able to upload or manually enter invoice information that includes but is not limited to:

• Date of sale

• Name of retailer

• Retailer license number

• Retailer address

• Stamp serial number

• Quantity of stamps issued

• Brand of alcohol sold

• Container net content

• Price

3 Deliverable Q – Automated Alerts

(Accounts and Inventory) Can the Agency provide additional detail on the expectations for Deliverable Q?

What types of alerts are required (e.g., account activity, inventory

Inventory alerts:

• Backorder

• Low stock o Approaching minimum replenishment levels o Below minimum replenishment levels

Addendum No. 1 RFP 458-E260331

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov 2 thresholds, compliance-related triggers)?

• Stock replenishment

• Return back into inventory

Compliance-related alerts:

• Order anomalies – LP's order quantity exceeds established order history usage

System alerts

• Error messages (Ex: e.g., incorrect quantity entered, license no longer valid).

• Maintenance alerts

• Tracking order progress

4 Inventory Alert Functionality &

Configuration - With respect to inventory alert capabilities (e.g., reorder alerts, low stock, backorder notifications, configurable minimum stock levels), please clarify:

Should these alerts be managed at the Agency level, the permittee/licensee level (P/LP), or both?

What level of configurability is expected for end users?

Would standard notification methods (e.g., email alerts) be acceptable?

See above answer.

A combination of notification methods would be acceptable.

Alerts should be systematic, however, a TABC administrator should have some ability to manage the alerts within the system.

Ex: Modify threshold limits, update user profiles, usage history, etc.

A combination of system notices and email alerts would be acceptable.

5 Contract Value and Pricing Structure - The solicitation indicates that total compensation shall not exceed $2,000,000, inclusive of any extensions, with the possibility of increases subject to additional funding availability.

Can the Agency confirm whether this amount is intended to be fully inclusive of all components (e.g., physical tax stamps, software

Yes, the total cost is intended to be all inclusive.

Total cost should include all costs for labor, materials, tools, supplies, equipment, personnel travel and associated and incidental costs necessary to provide the products and services according to the minimum specifications, requirements, provisions, terms, and conditions set forth in this RFP and all Exhibits.

Fixed pricing for the duration of the contract.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov 3 implementation/customization, system licensing, and ongoing support services)?

Does the Agency anticipate inclusion of a price adjustment mechanism (e.g., inflation-based increases), or should pricing be assumed fixed for the full contract term and any extensions?

6 POS SaaS Hosting & TX RAMP Certification Level - Does TABC require the POS SaaS platform to be TX RAMP certified at a specific level at the time of proposal, or is alignment with TX RAMP controls sufficient at submission, with certification achievable post award?

** RFP 458 E260331 Tax ID Stamps & POS System.pdf, Pages 7–9, Sections 2.1.1 & 2.1.2.6

TX-RAMP establishes three levels of certification:

• TX-RAMP Level 1 Certification is the required minimum certification level for a cloud computing service that processes, stores, or transmits agency data determined to be nonconfidential or determined to be a low impact information resource.

• TX-RAMP Level 2 Certification is the required minimum certification level for a cloud computing service that processes, stores, or transmits agency data determined to be confidential and determined to be a moderate or high impact information resource.

• TX-RAMP Provisional Certification may be obtained for a period of 18 months to expedite compliance to assist with active procurements.

Full certification is required by the end of the 18-month period.

7 Integration Scope – Mandatory vs Preferred Systems Multiple systems are referenced (AIMS, Comptroller, Tableau, DIR portals), but it is unclear which integrations are mandatory at go live.

Please confirm which external system integrations are mandatory for initial go live, and which may be phased post implementation, subject to mutual agreement.

DIR portals and Tableau

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov 4

**RFP 458 E260331 Tax ID Stamps & POS System.pdf, Pages 18–19, Section 2.1.4.6

8 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1

c) 2.1.1

d) 7

e) “The awarded Vendor shall be responsible for the complete production and distribution of tax ID stamps…”

f) Can the Agency confirm the estimated overall volume of stamps to be produced annually and clarify the intended product scope for the program (e.g., distilled spirits only, inclusion of beer or wine, and whether stamps are expected at the individual unit or case level)?

Current, annual usage is approximately 53 to 55 million stamps per fiscal year.

FY 26

- Sheet – 10 million

- Small rolls – 26 million

- Large rolls (10K) - 15 million

FY 25

- Sheet – 10 million

- Small rolls – 26 million

- Large rolls (10K) - 15 million

Distilled spirits only.

9 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1

c) 2.1.2

d) 8–9

e) “TABC seeks to implement a comprehensive solution… with statewide release scheduled for September 1, 2026.”

f) Can the Agency clarify whether a phased or pilot deployment is acceptable prior to statewide rollout, or if a single statewide go-live is expected?

The expectation is that the vendor will be ready for a statewide release on 9/1/2026.

Any product or system testing would occur during UAT before go-live.

10 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1.

c) 2.1.2.5 B.

d) 9

e) “Support authentication of tax ID stamps during field audits to verify compliance and detect irregularities.”

f) Could you please provide more information/narrative about the actions expected to be carried out at the retail level. E.g.

acknowledgment of reception of

When an auditor or agent is out in the field, they will need a way to easily identify if the stamp on the bottle is authentic. They should be able to scan the QR code with a mobile device or manually enter the tax ID stamp sequence number into the desktop app to access the system to verify the stamps authenticity.

Results should display the lifecycle of the stamp.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov 5 the goods at retail, scan of the label code by the retailer during the sale.

11 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1

c) 2.1.3.2 J

d) 10

e) “Retail level traceabilty (invoice reporting)”

f) Could you please provide more information/narrative about the actions expected to be carried out at the retail level. E.g.

acknowledgment of reception of the goods at retail, scan of the label code by the retailer during the sale.

See response to question #2 and #10.

12 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1

c) 2.1.4.1 A.a-c.

d) 13-14

e) Sheets: 1” x 1”, surface cut, pressure-applied stamps arranged in 10 rows and 8 columns per sheet (9.5” x 12.5” sheet).

Packaged in quantities of 800 stamps (8 sheets per package).

Small Rolls: “1 x 1”, surface cut, pressure-applied or hand applicator stamps. Standard size of 500 stamps per roll. Packaged in quantities of 5,000 stamps (10 small rolls per package) “Large Rolls: “1 x 1”, surface cut, pressure/machine-applied stamps containing 10,000 stamps per roll.

Packaged individually.”

f) Can the Agency confirm the following:

• The packing material requirements for sheets and rolls.

• The packing material requirements for the 10,000 stamps per roll.

No packaging material preference, however, the vendor should use materials that have a lower likelihood of stamps adhering to them. Stamps need to be packaged in a secure manner to prevent damage or destruction during transit.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov 6

• Whether stamps are applied manually or by distributors using automated stamping machines?

13 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1

c) 2.1.4.1 C.b.

d) 14

e) “Overt features: UV watermarks, color-shifting ink, holograms, unique serial numbers, security designs, and QR code(s).”

f) Please provide more information on required overt security features i.e., holograms, color-shifting ink, etc. Does the TABC have a preference on the type of security features used? What are the evaluation criteria for these features?

Tax ID stamp design should include security features that prevent them from being easily or commercially replicated.

We want to ensure we maintain our current level of security, but we’re open to exploring alternative security features.

Below is a list of the security features for our current tax ID stamp design:

•OVI print features: Optical color shifting ink.

Type of ink often used in currency or official documents like IDs. TABC staff tilts the stamp, and if they see the color change, they can know if it's authentic.

•Guilloche line and modulated line art:

Uniquely designed art lines that are difficult to replicate using commercially available design tools or by hand.

•Two color microtext: Similar to Guilloche and modulated line art, the microtext wording “Lone Star State Texas” cannot be duplicated by commercial equipment.

•Invisible yellow ink – Invisible yellow text becomes visible under UV light.

•QR Code: Three different scan results.

•Public QR code redirects to TABC site.

•Permittee can use the code to scan the stamp information into their POS system.

•Agents and auditors scan code to reveal traceability and authenticity results.

14 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1

c) 2.1.4.1 D. a-d.

d) 14

e) “Minimum shelf-life storage of 12 months under conditions exceeding 100°F and 90% humidity. Ability to withstand

A LP or retailer should not be able to easily remove a tax ID stamp once it has been adhered to a bottle or can. Tax ID stamps should be designed to “self-destruct” if an individual tries to remove the stamp from its container.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov 7 refrigeration-induced condensation. Must pass fingernail, knife, razor blade, and paper towel rub removal tests.

Must withstand alcohol exposure (80 and 190 proof), running water tests, and oil-based and chemical removal attempts (e.g., acetone or other organic solvent), and pass base weight testing.”

f) Please explain how the Durability and Testing Requirements will be evaluated and how that relates to the current process for removing labels from containers?

Tax ID stamps should be able to withstand the normal wear and tear that comes from use, such as:

- Liquor dripping on the stamp

- Wiping clean the bottle and stamp with cleaning solution

- Running under warm or cold water

- From the refrigerator to room temperature or vice versa

- Storage

Product testing will be conducted with TABC permittees, who will evaluate the product’s durability through normal day-to-day use.

15 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

c) 2.1.4.1 D. a-b

d) 14

e) Minimum shelf-life storage of 12 months under conditions exceeding 100°F and 90% humidity. Ability to withstand refrigeration-induced condensation.

f) Do we need to provide testing data to support the shelf-life requirement? What is the associated timeframe and temperature for the refrigeration-induced condensation requirement.

We would like testing data for elements that cannot be tested during the UAT phase, such as the minimum shelf-life of 12 months. For other elements, the testing data is welcomed.

The time frame may vary depending on the retailer’s activity. Based on online research, an optimal commercial cooler temperature for beverages typically ranges from 35°F to 38°F.

16 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

c) 2.1.4.1D.c-d

d) 14

e) “Must pass fingernail, knife, razor blade, and paper towel rub removal tests. Must withstand alcohol exposure (80 and 190 proof), running water tests, and oil-based and chemical removal attempts (e.g., acetone or other organic solvent), and pass base weight testing.”

See response to #14.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov 8

f) Does the TABC have a test method or identified criteria for these two requirements?

17 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1

c) 2.1.4.4 D.d

d) 16

e) “Securely process ACH and credit card payments for expedited shipping.”

f) Please confirm whether payment processing through the POS system is limited solely to expedited shipping fees, or whether additional transaction types are anticipated.

Costs associated with stamp production, warehousing, POS system access, shipping, and related activities are incurred by TABC. The only cost the LP is responsible for is expedited shipping.

18 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

c) 2.1.4.4 D.d.

d) 16

e) “Securely process ACH and credit card payments for expedited shipping.”

f) Can the Agency confirm whether distributors may use their own carrier accounts for expedited shipping?

Yes, LPs should be given the option to use their own accounts to pay for expedited shipping.

19 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1

c) 2.1.4.4 D.h.

d) 16

e) “Full lifecycle authentication and tracking for each stamp which includes retail level traceability via QR code or comparable digital identifier.”

f) Please confirm whether the label code is expected to be linked with the product and related volumetric at any point. Do we have multiple fiscal excise classes, that the filed inspector should check during audit?

Only package stores with Local Distributors (LP) permits that sell and distribute distilled spirits to retailers are authorized to access and order tax ID stamps.

Local distributors must place the numbered ID stamps on bottles of distilled spirits.

Stamps must be properly attached to a distilled spirits containers and invoiced to retailers that hold Mixed Beverage (MB), Private Club Registration (N), or Private Club Exemption Certificate (NE) permits before being sold by a local distributor.

Retailers may not possess distilled spirits in containers with a damaged or no tax ID stamp.

See response to question #2.

Tax ID stamps serve 3 purposes:

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov 9

1) ensure mixed beverage & private clubs buy from a legitimate source

2) gives the comptroller the ability to ensure the proper amount of gross receipts tax is paid

3) gives our field staff a tool to detect refilling and substitution of brands

There is no expected volumetric relation.

Tax ID stamps are only required for distilled spirits.

20 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

c) 2.1.4.6 A.a.i

d) 18

e) “Provide secure data feed for active and inactive distributor permit holders to prevent unauthorized access.”

f) Can the Agency clarify which data feed(s) are referenced in this requirement?

Files will be made available through the designated secure API or Closed Data Portal.

21 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1

c) 2.1.4.6 B. a.ii

d) 18

e) “Full file uploads or replacements daily.”

f) Please confirm what data will need to be uploaded to meet this requirement.

On a daily basis provide the full production data table contents in a standard text format. I.e. “columns are pipe delimited and double quote enclosed as necessary”, can exclude tables like backup / testing / application guide settings / etc.

22 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 2.1.5

c) 2.1.5.2 B.b.

d) 20

e) “Confirm procedure for securely packaging and delivering tax ID stamps in consecutive numerical order.”

f) Consecutive numerical value is expected only by individual packaging format. E.g. a pack of 800 stamps in 8 sheets per package, a small reel of 500

If "scrambling" is used as a security feature in the sequence ID, we'd prefer it be applied at the end of the sequence.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov 10 stamps, etc. For our purposes, the first 5 digits of the tax stamp may be non-sequential or “scrambled” (for internal use/security reasons), and the last 5 digits will be sequential. Is that acceptable to the TABC?

23 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 4.4

c) Oral Presentations and Site Visits

d) 39–40

e) “The TABC may require an oral presentation from any or all Respondents.”

f) If oral demonstrations are requested, can the Agency clarify whether demonstrations are expected to focus on physical tax ID stamp security features, POS system workflows, or both?

Oral presentation should include both physical product (e.g., design, durability, security features) and system demonstration.

24 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 5.1

c) 5.1.2

d) 41

e) “Respondents must describe their proposed processes and methodologies for providing all components of the SOW in Section 2.1. Respondent should identify all tasks to be performed, including all project activities, equipment to be used, materials, and other products, services, and reports to be generated during the contract period.”

f) Can the Agency clarify whether Deliverables #1–9 described in Section 2.1.3 are expected to be submitted in draft or completed form as part of the Project Work Plan (Section 5.1.2), or if a narrative description of the approach is sufficient for proposal submission?

The Agency expects deliverables #1–9 in Section 2.1.3 to be submitted in draft.

A narrative should be sufficient. However, the vendor must include samples of at least three (3) other projects of similar complexity.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission • tabc.texas.gov 11

25 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 5.1

c) 5.1.1-5.14

d) 41

e) “Responses must provide a high-level overview…”

f) Are there any page length, format, or level-of-detail preferences the Agency recommends for the Narrative Proposal sections to support efficient evaluation?

TABC does not have a page length, format, or level of detail preference for submission documents, we recommend respondents provide the length, format, and level of detail they believe best covers the requirements outlined in Section 5.1 “Narrative Proposal”. Please refer to Sections 3.6 “Submitting a Solicitation Response” and 3.7 “Solicitation Response Submission and Delivery” for general submission guidelines.

26 a) RFP No. 458-E260331

b) 5.1

c) 5.1.2

d) 41

e) “Respondents must describe their proposed processes and methodologies for providing all components of the SOW in Section 2.1.”

f) For system workflows and integration descriptions, does the Agency expect detailed technical diagrams as part of the proposal submission, or is a high-level conceptual description sufficient?

A high‑level conceptual description is requested; however, more detailed information is welcomed.

ESBD link: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/458-E260331

TABC Tax ID Stamp FAQs link: https://www.tabc.texas.gov/faqs/tax-id-stamps-faqs/

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addendum No. 1:

Respondent/Entity Name

Signature of Authorized Representative

Printed Name and Title

Date

**Respondent should sign and return this acknowledgement with their response** https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/458-E260331 https://www.tabc.texas.gov/faqs/tax-id-stamps-faqs/ https://www.tabc.texas.gov/faqs/tax-id-stamps-faqs/