HHS0016356 Frozen food Rusk State Hospital

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) numbered HHS0016356 for frozen food products specifically for Rusk State Hospital. The procurement seeks to establish a contract for supplying various frozen food items, including Hot Pockets, Hillshire Farms links, Earl Campbell links, condiment packets, and bakery items like whole grain muffins. The contract will run from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026, with potential for renewal. Bidders must submit their responses electronically through the HHS Online Bid Room by July 7, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central Time, following a strict two-step registration process. The HHSC will evaluate responses based on meeting specifications, performance delivery requirements, and pricing, with the primary goal of providing the best value to the State of Texas. Pricing must be firm and fixed for the entire contract term, submitted using the provided Exhibit C Price Sheet, and can include potential price adjustments during renewal cycles not exceeding 8%. Historical spend for similar goods is approximately $75,000 for the preceding fiscal year, though this does not guarantee specific purchase volumes.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations, but vendors must complete comprehensive legal affirmations including compliance with various state regulations, such as anti-boycott provisions, cybersecurity training requirements, and business ethics standards. Potential bidders must provide detailed business information, tax identification numbers, and franchise tax status, with the understanding that false statements could result in contract termination. The contract will be available for both HHSC and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to utilize. Vendors must demonstrate robust complaint resolution capabilities, including a commitment to resolving product issues within 90 days and potential reimbursement or product replacement. The solicitation includes extensive terms and conditions covering intellectual property rights, anti-discrimination compliance, insurance requirements, and data management protocols. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract appears designed to be open to qualified food service suppliers who can meet the stringent operational and legal requirements outlined in the procurement documents.