554-25-010 Cattle Scratch Chutes

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 554-25-010) for four custom-fabricated cattle scratch chutes, serving jurisdictions including Travis County and multiple Austin City locations. The procurement requires vendors to provide fully assembled and tested mobile cattle handling units with specific technical specifications, including a bumper pull hitch, 7000-pound drop leg jacks, a drop axle, and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) towing and safety standards. The chutes must feature 1-7/8 inch horizontal round tubing, a 1-inch steel grating floor, LED tail lights, a 7-pin trailer electrical plug, and will undergo hot-dip galvanization at TAHC's expense. Key deliverables include a complete, operational unit with a unique serial number embedded in the steel frame and a minimum one-year warranty. The solicitation was posted on July 9, 2025, with vendor questions due by July 16, 2025, and final bid responses required by July 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST. The anticipated contract award is scheduled for August 2025, with delivery to the TAHC Central Office in Austin, Texas.

The IFB includes comprehensive vendor qualification requirements, mandating detailed company information and certifications of compliance with state and federal regulations. Potential bidders must provide extensive documentation, including business organization details, legal compliance attestations, and disclosures related to employment practices, cybersecurity training, and immigration verification. The solicitation appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but vendors must certify they will prioritize Texas-produced products when possible. Vendors are required to confirm they are not debarred or suspended from state or federal contracting and must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the detailed specifications suggest a specialized procurement with potential significant equipment value. Payment will be processed in accordance with the Texas Prompt Payment Act, with electronic invoicing preferred, and the Texas Animal Health Commission maintains tax-exempt status.