Black heel counter material.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Contracts and Procurement Department is seeking bids for 2,000 sheets of black heel counter material through solicitation IM233521. The specific procurement involves heat-activated adhesive cement heel counter material with precise technical specifications, including a black polyester face fabric, TPU backing, EVA composition, PET plastic components, and sheet dimensions of 40" x 48". The material will be delivered to the TDCJ Clements Unit Shoe Factory located in Amarillo, Texas. Bids are due on November 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM, with electronic submission preferred to bids@tdcj.texas.gov. The deadline for submitting questions about the solicitation is October 30, 2025, at 10:00 PM CST, with Stephen Smith serving as the primary point of contact. Bidders are required to submit bids F.O.B. destination prepaid and allowed, with freight charges incorporated into the unit cost.

The solicitation includes several procurement preferences for Texas-based bidders, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, agricultural products, and environmentally sensitive materials. Contractors must certify compliance with suspension and debarment requirements and adhere to Texas procurement statutes. All delivery personnel must comply with strict TDCJ security procedures, including facility escort requirements, vehicle searches, and contraband prohibitions. Bidders may be required to submit samples within seven calendar days of request for evaluation, with failure to do so potentially resulting in disqualification. While specific award value is not detailed, the procurement involves industrial material for the TDCJ's shoe manufacturing operations, suggesting a focused, specialized procurement with potential for future repeat orders. The solicitation emphasizes comprehensive compliance with state procurement regulations and maintaining stringent security protocols throughout the procurement and delivery process.