Exhibit E - Respondent Solicitation Questions Form 3.7.2024.docx

This is a Respondent Solicitation Questions Form issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture for Solicitation 551-xxxx related to Texas Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline and Educational Services. The solicitation seeks a contractor to establish and operate a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week crisis helpline staffed by behavioral health specialists with agricultural expertise, along with delivery of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training 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 Central Time on May 4, 2026. Award is estimated for May 22, 2026. The initial contract term runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with renewal options for up to three additional one-year periods at TDA's sole discretion. Respondents must submit sealed responses to bidroom@texasagriculture.gov and acknowledge receipt of all addenda.

Evaluation will follow a best-value standard with weighted criteria of 30% for respondent qualifications and past performance, 40% for the proposed service delivery plan, and 30% for cost reasonableness. Respondents must demonstrate significant qualifications including a Texas Identification Number, financial stability documentation, appropriate insurance coverage, and three professional references from the past three years. The contractor must obtain accreditations from the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS). Quarterly reporting on hotline performance metrics and Progress Assessment Reports with each invoice documenting subcontractor utilization for VetHUB compliance are required. TDA reserves the right to award to single or multiple respondents, request best and final offers, and require oral presentations. No exclusivity is granted, and TDA retains the right to re-solicit services at any time. All costs associated with proposal development are the responsibility of respondents, and contract payment follows the Texas Prompt Payment Act with payment typically issued within 30 days of invoice receipt. The specific budget range or contract value has not been disclosed.