Bentonite Clay

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 802-25-56416) for the procurement of 200 tons of Bentonite Clay to be delivered to the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area, located 55 miles south of Marathon on FM 2627 in Brewster County. The clay must meet specific technical requirements, including particle sizes less than 1 micrometer, density between 2.0-2.7 g/cm3, high plasticity, and acceptable colors of light gray, green, reddish, or TPWD-approved equivalents. The bid opening was originally scheduled for February 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT, but has been extended to February 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT through Addendum #1. Vendors must provide one week's notice prior to delivery and coordinate with the site point of contact. The contract will be awarded on an all-or-none basis to the lowest responsive bidder, with pricing to be FOB destination, inclusive of all shipping, handling, fuel surcharges, and delivery fees. Evaluation criteria include lowest price, ability/qualifications/experience, delivery schedule, and past performance, with a required delivery date of May 1, 2025.

The solicitation includes preferences for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) certified by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas resident service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and other categories as outlined in Texas Administrative Code Rule 20.38. These preferences provide opportunities for disadvantaged enterprises to compete for the contract. The specific GPS coordinates for delivery are N 29 28'06.0, W 102 50'34.3. While the exact budget or award value is not explicitly stated in the documents, the procurement involves 200 tons of Bentonite Clay, which suggests a significant material purchase. Vendors must be prepared to meet the strict technical specifications and delivery requirements, with the contract being awarded based on a comprehensive evaluation of both price and vendor capabilities. The solicitation emphasizes the importance of meeting all specified requirements and providing a high-quality product that meets the TPWD's precise technical specifications.