Exhibit D - Vendor Information Evaluation Preferences 03.07.2024.docx

This document is an Exhibit D Vendor Information and Evaluation Preferences form issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) for the Texas Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline and Educational Services contract opportunity. The RFP solicits comprehensive mental health services targeting agricultural workers, requiring the establishment and operation of a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week crisis helpline staffed by behavioral health specialists with agriculture-specific expertise, delivery of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training to community groups, and FarmResponse training to healthcare professionals. A pre-proposal vendor conference is scheduled for April 9, 2026, with written questions due by April 13, 2026, and sealed proposals due electronically by 3:00 PM CT on May 4, 2026. Contract award is estimated for May 22, 2026, with an initial term running from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, and renewal options available for up to three additional one-year periods at TDA's sole discretion.

The form requires vendors to provide complete respondent information including entity name, business structure, Federal Employee Identification Number, and contact details for primary and secondary representatives. Respondents must indicate whether they qualify for any evaluation preferences under Texas Administrative Code, Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter C, Rules 20.306-20.307, which include preferences for Texas-produced supplies, Texas-based vendors, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, USA-produced materials, products from persons with disabilities, environmentally sensitive materials, energy-efficient products, and vendors meeting air quality standards. TDA will evaluate proposals using a best-value standard with weighted criteria of 30 percent for respondent qualifications and past performance, 40 percent for the proposed service delivery plan, and 30 percent for cost reasonableness. Contractors must obtain accreditations from the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), maintain appropriate insurance coverage, provide three professional references from the past three years, and submit quarterly performance reports and Progress Assessment Reports documenting hotline metrics and subcontractor utilization for VetHUB compliance.