HHS0016407 Provide Dr. Pepper Product for the Cant

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are soliciting bids for a formal Invitation for Bids (IFB) No. HHS0016407 to provide Dr. Pepper products and water for the Canteen at Kerrville State Hospital. The procurement specifically seeks various beverage items including soft drinks (Diet Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper, Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry), waters (Deja Blue), sparkling waters (Sparkling Ice), and other beverages like Perrier and Diet Snapple. The contract is designed to cover the period from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, with estimated annual usage quantities ranging from 16 to 40 units across different package sizes and configurations. Key evaluation criteria will focus on best value considerations, examining the bidder's ability to meet requirements, performance delivery capabilities, and pricing. Critical deadlines include August 1, 2025, for submitting questions and August 21, 2025, at 10:30 AM for bid responses, with bidders required to complete comprehensive documentation including the Solicitation Affirmations form and Bid Execution Page.

The solicitation includes provisions for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation, though submission of a HUB Subcontracting Plan is not mandatory. Potential bidders can claim various state-specific preferences, including those for Texas-based businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned enterprises, agricultural producers, and businesses meeting specific environmental or economic development criteria. The historical spend for similar goods is approximately $40,000 for the previous contract period, though HHSC does not guarantee any specific volume or compensation. Pricing must remain firm and fixed for the contract term, with potential adjustments based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) calculations. Vendors must comply with extensive legal and ethical requirements, including antitrust compliance, cybersecurity training, and restrictions on doing business with certain foreign entities. The contract allows HHSC to make single or multiple awards to achieve the best value for the state, with potential integration across multiple state facilities including the Lufkin State Supported Living Center.