554-25-011 Heavy Duty Hydraulic Squeeze Chute

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 554-25-011 for a Heavy Duty Hydraulic Squeeze Chute, soliciting a custom-fabricated equipment unit designed for cattle inspection and treatment. The procurement seeks one hydraulic squeeze chute with specific detailed requirements, including a reference model of SILENCER or an approved equivalent, featuring veterinary side access doors, black rubber vision-obstructing slats, hydraulic neck and kick bars, a non-detachable roof with folding sides, and a gasoline-powered hydraulic pump on a separate wheeled cart. The unit must include an overhead scale, have a minimum one-year warranty, possess a unique serial number embedded in the steel frame, and be protected with a rust-inhibiting coating. Key procurement dates include publication on July 9th, 2025, with bid questions due by July 16th, 2025, agency responses by July 18th, 2025, and a response deadline of July 30th, 2025 at 2:00 PM CST. Delivery is specified to the TAHC Central Office in Austin, TX, with the vendor responsible for unloading, and all pricing must be F.O.B. Destination with freight prepaid and included in the unit price.

The solicitation does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The procurement requires comprehensive vendor certifications, including compliance with Texas government codes covering areas such as cybersecurity training, E-Verify usage, and purchasing Texas-produced products. Vendors must complete an Information and Certifications Form (Attachment A) that requires detailed disclosures about business demographics, potential conflicts of interest, and various regulatory compliance statements. The bidding process includes strict requirements about vendor integrity, including confirmation of non-debarment, absence of certain criminal convictions, and adherence to state procurement standards. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the procurement is for a single, custom-fabricated hydraulic squeeze chute, suggesting a specialized equipment purchase. The Texas Animal Health Commission, being a state agency, is tax-exempt, which may provide some cost considerations for potential bidders.