Bartlett Bread

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Contracts and Procurement Department has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for a blanket purchase order to supply sliced bread to the Bartlett St. Jail Supply facility. The procurement seeks a vendor to provide approximately 36,400 loaves of bread, with deliveries occurring twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays, consisting of 350 loaves per delivery. Vendors may offer white or wheat bread, or a combination, with specific requirements including sliced, wrapped bread delivered in original packaging with clear markings. The successful vendor must provide a free rack/tray delivery system that is interconnecting, stackable, durable, and stable. All bread products must be marked with a clear "Best Used By" date, and the vendor will be responsible for replacing any defective products. The bid is scheduled to open on July 29, 2025, at 3 P.M., with the initial contract effective from the date of award through August 31, 2026, and an option to renew for an additional one-year period through August 31, 2027. The TDCJ reserves the right to award to multiple vendors and adjust awarded lines as needed.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must comply with detailed security procedures for delivering to correctional facilities and submit comprehensive documentation demonstrating legal and regulatory compliance. The contract includes provisions for annual index-based pricing adjustments, ensuring flexibility in long-term pricing. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the volume of 36,400 loaves indicates a substantial procurement commitment. Potential bidders must carefully review the Terms and Conditions document, which outlines extensive requirements including vendor certifications, invoice submission procedures, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Vendors are required to proactively communicate with TDCJ by submitting their contact information to ensure receipt of any solicitation amendments, with updates to be posted on the Electronic State Business Daily. The procurement process emphasizes transparency, ethical business practices, and strict adherence to Texas Government Code regulations.