Environmental Services

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation number 696-5-IW214628 for comprehensive environmental services, specifically targeting groundwater and air sampling, monitoring, and reporting across multiple correctional facilities. The contract requires a vendor with at least 10 years of experience in state-owned correctional facility hazardous waste environmental projects, including expertise in pentachlorophenol contaminated sites and hazardous waste landfill permitting and closure. Primary deliverables include quarterly and semi-annual groundwater sampling at the Ellis Unit Landfill and Estelle Unit Penta Plant, involving collection and laboratory analysis of samples using EPA and TCEQ-approved methods, with detailed reporting requirements. Vendor personnel must possess advanced educational qualifications, including project managers with master's or doctoral degrees in relevant fields and professional licenses in engineering, geology, or geoscience. The initial contract period will run from July 1, 2025, through August 31, 2025, with options to renew for four additional one-year periods and a potential six-month extension. Bids are due on April 25, 2025, at 3:00 PM CT, with an emergency service response time requirement of 24 hours.

The solicitation strongly encourages participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), with a specific goal of 26.0% subcontracting for all other services categories. Vendors must demonstrate good faith efforts in subcontracting with Texas certified HUB vendors, either by committing to subcontract a percentage of work or by justifying their subcontractor selection process. Insurance requirements include commercial general liability and automobile liability coverage, with TDCJ and its representatives to be named as additional insureds. The contract includes comprehensive compliance requirements, such as e-verify usage, cybersecurity training, and adherence to various state and federal regulations, including restrictions on contracting with entities that boycott Israel or discriminate against firearm industries. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the detailed Cost Estimate Form suggests the potential for significant project expenses across categories including project management, field services, data review, reporting, and reimbursable expenses. Contractors must be prepared to handle potential additional environmental projects across TDCJ facilities, including site assessments, soil and groundwater decontamination, monitoring, and various environmental remediation activities.