Fertilizer

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Contracts and Procurement Department has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) solicitation number IW206895 for the procurement of 1,100 gallons of foliar feed fertilizer specifically for cotton cultivation. The required product is Awaken 16-0-2, manufactured by Loveland Products, Inc., with a guaranteed analysis of 16.00% total nitrogen and 4.00% soluble potash, to be packaged in 4 totes of 275 gallons each. The fertilizer will be delivered to TDCJ Buffalo Ranch located in Somerville, Texas, with bids required to be submitted F.O.B. destination, freight prepaid and allowed. Potential bidders must submit a specification data sheet demonstrating compliance with all technical requirements, with electronic submission to BIDS@TDCJ.TEXAS.GOV preferred, though hard copy submissions are also accepted. Key dates include January 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM (CST) for submission of questions, with agency responses to be posted by January 17th, and a bid opening scheduled for January 24, 2025, at 3:00 PM.

The solicitation does not specify any set-aside designations or explicit requirements for disadvantaged business enterprises. No incumbent vendors are mentioned in the documentation, and there are no indications of integration requirements with existing infrastructure or technology. The procurement includes specific security protocols for deliveries to correctional facilities, with restrictions on staff interactions and requirements for security escorts. Faxed bids will not be accepted, and vendors must strictly adhere to the submission guidelines and technical specifications outlined in the IFB. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the procurement is for a relatively modest quantity of specialized agricultural fertilizer, suggesting a limited contract value focused on meeting the specific cultivation needs of the TDCJ Buffalo Ranch facility.