Exhibit O DEI.docx

This is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) compliance exhibit for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) related to state contract procurement. The exhibit implements compliance requirements established by President Donald J. Trump's Executive Order 14151 (issued January 20, 2025), Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Executive Order GA-55 (issued January 31, 2025), and a directive from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller (issued February 4, 2025). All bid responses must be evaluated to ensure TDA compliance with prohibitions against using federal and state funds to contract with vendors that have established DEI policies and practices. Respondents are required to certify their compliance status by selecting one of two checkboxes indicating whether their policies and practices align with this prohibition. The exhibit was released on March 26, 2025, with a revision date of February 2.

Respondents must submit this exhibit as part of their proposal response and indicate whether their submitted proposal complies with the cited Executive Orders and Commissioner directive, or alternatively, acknowledge that non-compliance will result in automatic withdrawal of their solicitation response. The exhibit requires authorized respondent signature, date, and printed name, along with the company represented. This certification mechanism serves as a binding condition for proposal consideration and eligibility under this procurement.