Exhibit O DEI.docx

This is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) compliance exhibit from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) for the "Don't Pack a Pest Media Campaign" public outreach and marketing services contract. The exhibit requires all bid respondents to certify their compliance with Executive Order 14151 (issued by President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025), Texas Governor's Executive Order GA-55 (issued by Governor Greg Abbott on January 31, 2025), and a directive from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller dated February 4, 2025. These orders prohibit the use of federal and state funds in contracting with vendors that have established DEI policies and practices. Respondents must select one of two checkboxes to indicate whether their policies and practices align with this prohibition. The exhibit was released on March 26, 2025, with a revision date of 2.

Respondents who certify compliance indicate that their submitted proposal aligns with the Executive Orders and Commissioner directive. Conversely, respondents who do not comply must acknowledge that their solicitation response will be withdrawn from consideration. The exhibit must be signed by an authorized representative of the responding company and submitted as part of the bid response. This compliance certification serves as a mandatory evaluation criterion for TDA in awarding the contract, and failure to complete or incorrectly complete this exhibit may result in bid rejection or disqualification.