FY27 Canteen Groceries for Mexia State Supported L

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is requesting bids on canteen groceries for the Mexia State Supported Living Center under IFB HHS0017798, with responses due August 25, 2026 at 10:30 AM, and questions due August 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM Central Time. Both HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are authorized to utilize any resulting contract.

The procurement covers three categories: canteen groceries, food service supplies, and frozen food products. Bidders must submit pricing for all three tabs within the Exhibit C Pricing Sheet and must bid at least 90 percent of the items listed to avoid disqualification. Products must meet specifications, be properly labeled with purchase order numbers and quantities, and arrive on time; vendors must arrange delivery appointments with the facility point of contact and deliver between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM on specified dates (excluding 11:00 AM to noon). Vendors are responsible for all additional charges such as overtime, storage, and handling fees incurred at contracted warehouses. All delivered products must comply with contractual requirements; the vendor must resolve complaints within 90 days, respond to problem notifications within 72 hours, and bear investigation costs, including storage costs beginning the tenth day after notification, HHSC employee labor at $20 per hour beginning thirty days after notification, and third-party laboratory testing costs. Failure to provide acceptable resolution will result in vendor tracking reports and discontinuation of HHSC food awards.

The historical monetary value for FY25 canteen groceries was $160,500, provided as a guideline only with no guarantee of volume or compensation. The contract term runs September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, with an extension option for up to one additional year at HHSC's sole discretion. All pricing must be firm and fixed in US dollars; HHSC reserves the right to adjust prices based on the Consumer Price Index formula specified in the IFB, though price decreases may be submitted at any time. Evaluation is based on ability to meet specifications and delivery requirements, past performance verification through the Vendor Performance Tracking System (VPTS), and price; HHSC is not obligated to select the lowest-priced bidder. Responses must include completed and signed Exhibit A (HHS Solicitation Affirmations), Exhibit C (Pricing Sheet), and Exhibit 2 (Warranty Resolution). The binding offer period is 240 days from submission. Bidders must comply with HUB subcontracting plan requirements and submit a Form 1295 Certificate of Interested Parties if selected for award. Responses are due August 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM as an addendum posting. Submission is limited to email (pcsbids@hhs.texas.gov), the HHS Online Bid Room, or hand/overnight delivery of a USB drive to HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, Texas. Award is contingent upon HHSC Executive Commissioner approval, with an anticipated contract start date of September 1, 2026.