HHS0016032 Groceries Mexia SSLC

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is soliciting competitive bids for a groceries contract for the Mexia State Supported Living Center's Food Service for fiscal year 2026. The Invitation for Bid (IFB No. HHS0016032) requires vendors to bid on at least 90% of the items listed in the comprehensive Pricing Sheet, which includes various food products such as shredded cheese, margarine cups, crackers, applesauce, turkey spaghetti, beef crumbles, and chicken breast fillets. Bidders must submit responses electronically through the HHS Online Bid Room by May 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM, with the contract anticipated to run from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. The contract allows for potential one-year extensions and will be awarded to the bidder providing the best value to the State of Texas, considering factors like meeting specifications, performance delivery capabilities, and price. Vendors must provide firm, fixed pricing for the entire contract term, with potential price adjustments during renewal cycles not exceeding 8%. Unauthorized substitutions or reworked products will not be accepted, and historical spend for similar goods is approximately $162,500 for the period of 9/1/24-8/31/25.

While a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan is not mandatory, bidders are encouraged to submit one if subcontracting opportunities exist. Vendors must complete a comprehensive set of legal affirmations, including certifications about business practices, legal standing, and compliance with state and federal regulations. The contract requires strict warranty and complaint resolution protocols, with vendors obligated to resolve complaints within 90 days and respond to HHSC notifications within 72 hours. Potential contractors must comply with various Texas-specific requirements, such as not discriminating against firearm industries, not boycotting Israel, and adhering to specific cybersecurity and employment practices. Both HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will be entitled to use the resulting contract. Vendors must use the E-Verify system, maintain appropriate insurance, and agree to extensive reporting and audit requirements. While no specific budget range is definitively stated, the historical spend provides a baseline indication of potential contract value.