Dalhart Livestock Reporter

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is seeking a livestock reporter for the Cattlemen's Livestock Auction in Dalhart through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) under Contract No. 5510000550. The contractor will function as an independent reporter within the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) Livestock Market Reporting Program, with primary responsibilities including attending weekly cattle auctions, collecting and systematically reporting market data, and maintaining communication with TDA and USDA AMS program staff and auction operators. Successful bidders must possess verification of USDA-AMS livestock marketing reporting training and demonstrate relevant experience in conducting similar services. The initial contract term spans from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026, with potential for three optional one-year renewals extending potentially through August 31, 2029. Responses are due by 3:00 PM CT on March 10, 2025, and bidders must submit a comprehensive price sheet (Exhibit C) along with required documentation including execution of offer, vendor information, financial capacity documentation, and various certifications. The contract will be awarded based on best value to the State of Texas, with TDA reserving the right to award to a single or multiple bidders.

Bidders must be in good standing, with no failing reports in the Texas Comptroller's Vendor Performance Tracking System (VPTS) and must be current with all state business filings and taxes. No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the documentation. The procurement is open to qualified vendors who can meet the technical and performance requirements outlined in the IFB. While no incumbent vendor information was provided, the contract appears to be a new procurement for ongoing livestock market reporting services. Although a specific budget range was not detailed, the contract includes a pricing mechanism through the required price sheet (Exhibit C), suggesting that pricing will be a key evaluation criterion. The contract's structure allows for potential multi-year engagement, with the initial one-year term and three possible renewal periods, indicating a potential total contract duration of up to four years if all optional periods are exercised.