Cotton Planting Seeds

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Contracts and Procurement Department is issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for cotton planting seeds on January 24, 2025, at 3 P.M. The procurement seeks to acquire two specific cotton seed varieties: Phytogen 400M3FE and 415M3FE, sufficient to plant 2,599 acres at a rate of 3.5 seeds per foot row with 38" row spacing, or 48,145 seeds per acre with TRIO seed treatment. Seed requirements include acid delinting and treatment with a standard insecticide/fungicide package containing Imidacloprid/Cruiser, and must meet Texas State Department of Agriculture standards. Delivery is mandated to the TDCJ Pack Warehouse - Pack Unit in Navasota, TX between February 17th and 21st, 2025. Vendors must submit electronic bids to BIDS@TDCJ.TEXAS.GOV, with pricing required per bag and separate costs for genetic engineering and seed. The solicitation is being advertised under TX. GOVT. CODE, SECTION 2155.067, with commodity code 790-10, and all seed will be subject to testing by an area representative.

The procurement includes mandatory Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) subcontracting requirements, with a 21.1% participation goal for commodities contracts. Bidders must submit a comprehensive State of Texas HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) with their bid response, detailing their strategies for engaging HUB subcontractors and demonstrating good faith efforts in HUB outreach. The HSP requires vendors to identify potential HUB and non-HUB subcontractors and provide monthly Progress Assessment Reports (PARs) documenting subcontractor payments. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement covers seed for 2,599 acres, indicating a substantial agricultural supply contract. The solicitation is open to vendors capable of meeting the technical specifications, HUB participation requirements, and delivery timeline, with an emphasis on supporting diverse business participation in the state procurement process. Vendors must carefully review all documentation, including the IFB and HSP guidance, to ensure full compliance with TDCJ's procurement requirements.