Fertilizer Plus Application

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Contracts and Procurement Department is seeking bids for fertilizer services at the TDCJ Buffalo Ranch in Somerville, Texas through Invitation for Bids (IFB) Bid Number IM220327. The procurement involves two primary line items: first, applying 4,100 acres of 7/17/22/4s/300 dry fertilizer at a rate of 250 lbs per acre, and second, delivering 615 tons of a specialized fertilizer blend containing composted poultry litter, potassium, phosphorus, and ammonium compounds. The contract period will run from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. Bidders must electronically submit proposals to bids@tdcj.texas.gov with a 10 MB attachment limit by July 7, 2025, at 3 P.M. Vendor qualifications include providing an insurance plan with minimum liability limits of $1,000,000, auto coverage of $500,000, and statutory workers' compensation. The TDCJ will evaluate and award the contract based on best value factors, which include price, performance history, and conformance to specified requirements.

The procurement includes specific set-aside requirements for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB), with a 21.1% goal for commodities contracts. Vendors must complete HSP forms and demonstrate good faith efforts to subcontract with Texas certified HUB vendors, which are economically disadvantaged businesses. Compliance with additional state regulations is mandatory, including E-Verify system requirements, conflict of interest disclosures, and provisions related to recycled products and accessibility standards. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, prime contractors must carefully document their subcontracting intentions and vendor selections. Although a precise contract value is not specified, the comprehensive fertilizer application and delivery specifications suggest a significant agricultural service contract. Potential bidders must be prepared to meet stringent documentation requirements and showcase their ability to effectively deliver the specified fertilization services across the TDCJ Buffalo Ranch's agricultural operations.