Blanket Procurement of Equine Balancer

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is conducting an Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered IW202867 for a blanket procurement of Equine Merit Horse Balancer Feed Ration. The solicitation seeks 156 tons of horse feed with specific nutritional requirements, including 33-33.5% crude protein, 1-2% crude fat, and 8.5-9.5% crude fiber. Delivery will be to the TDCJ Wainwright Unit Feedmill in Lovelady, Texas, with potential emergency delivery requirements of at least one truckload within 72 hours of notification. The bid opening is scheduled for December 12, 2024, at 3 P.M., with electronic submissions preferred via BIDS@TDCJ.TEXAS.GOV or hard copy submission to TDCJ Contracts and Procurement in Huntsville. Bidders must price the feed in dollars per ton relative to the weekly manufacturer's price list, including a vendor's constant that encompasses all profit, overhead, freight charges, and associated fees. The contract period will be effective through August 31, 2025, with TDCJ reserving the right to adjust order quantities by plus or minus 10%.

The procurement includes a mandatory Hub Subcontracting Plan (HSP) that promotes participation of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) in accordance with Texas Government Code 2161.252. The state has established specific HUB participation goals across contract categories, including 26.0% for other services and 21.1% for commodities contracts. All bidders, including state-certified HUBs, must complete the HSP form, detailing subcontracting intentions and demonstrating good faith efforts to engage HUB vendors. Monthly compliance reporting will be required through the Prime Contractor Progress Assessment Report to verify adherence to the subcontracting plan. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement involves 156 tons of specialized equine feed, suggesting a moderate-scale contract. The commodity code for this project is 325-84, and vendors must comply with all state and federal regulations. Potential bidders are encouraged to utilize the provided trade organizations and development centers to identify potential HUB subcontractors and ensure compliance with the state's diversity procurement objectives.