Bleaching and Pre-Shrinking/Sanforizing

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is seeking a contractor to provide bleaching and pre-shrinking/sanforizing services for its Estelle Unit Textile Mill in Huntsville, Texas. The procurement involves processing approximately 2,186,364 linear yards of 100% cotton shirting fabric annually, with specific requirements for optical white bleaching, 4% to 6% shrinkage after three home laundries, and acceptable yardage loss of 5% to 8%. The contractor must supply all necessary personnel, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, and transportation for the finishing services. The solicitation was posted on November 18, 2025, with written questions due by November 26, 2025, and bid submissions required by December 18, 2025. The contract will commence on March 1, 2026, with a six-month base period and four optional one-year renewal periods potentially extending through August 31, 2030. Key evaluation criteria include compliance with detailed fabric specifications, insurance requirements, performance bond submission, and adherence to delivery timelines with associated deductions for late deliveries.

The procurement includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan, which mandates specific participation goals, with HUB goals ranging from 1% to 32% depending on contract category. Respondents must complete a comprehensive Historically Underutilized Business Subcontracting Plan (HSP), declaring subcontracting intentions and identifying potential HUB and non-HUB vendors. The contract requires significant compliance measures, including monthly progress reporting, agency approval for HSP modifications, and potential on-site reviews. Contractors must meet extensive certification requirements, including verifications related to child support obligations, E-Verify employment verification, and restrictions on employment of former TDCJ executives. While no specific award value is explicitly stated, the contract will be awarded as a firm fixed-price contract based on price per linear yard, with all freight costs included. Insurance requirements are substantial, including workers' compensation, commercial automobile liability of $500,000, general liability of $500,000 to $1,000,000, and a performance bond of $150,000.