Gurney Bread

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Contracts and Procurement Department is soliciting bids for a blanket purchase order for sliced bread to be delivered to the Gurney Unit Supply facility in Palestine, TX. This Invitation for Bids (IFB) seeks a vendor to provide 712,000 loaves of white or wheat sliced sandwich-style bread in 20 oz loaves, with deliveries scheduled twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays (890 loaves per delivery). The contract will initially run from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026, with an optional renewal period from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027. Vendors must meet specific requirements including bread packaging specifications, nutritional standards, and strict security protocols for delivery to a correctional facility. Evaluation criteria will include pricing, previous performance, quality, and conformance to specifications, with potential price adjustments based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics index. The bid is scheduled to open on July 29, 2025, with vendors required to submit contact information to ensure receipt of any solicitation amendments.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must comply with Texas Bidder requirements, including various certifications related to business practices, legal compliance, and ethical standards. The contract includes comprehensive terms and conditions requiring vendors to meet electronic and information resources accessibility standards, provide Material Safety Data Sheets, and comply with government codes regarding conflicts of interest and boycott restrictions. While a specific budget range is not detailed, the volume of bread (712,000 loaves) suggests a substantial procurement opportunity. Bidders will be subject to random sample testing of delivered products and must adhere to strict delivery protocols, including security measures specific to correctional facility requirements. The procurement process emphasizes a comprehensive best-value approach, evaluating potential vendors on multiple criteria beyond simple pricing.