HHS0016490 Snacks & Candy Rusk State Hospital

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) have issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) number HHS0016490 for snacks and candy procurement for Rusk State Hospital, covering Travis County and multiple Austin City jurisdictions. The solicitation seeks competitive bids to establish a contract for providing a comprehensive range of individually packaged snacks and confectionery items, including specific brands like Snickers, M&Ms, Reese's, and Wrigley's gum products. The initial contract term is set from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025, with potential for renewal. Key procurement timeline milestones include posting the IFB on July 22, 2025, with questions due by July 29, 2025, and responses to be posted by July 30, 2025. The final response deadline is August 5, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central Time. Evaluation criteria will focus on best value to the State of Texas, considering factors such as meeting specifications, performance delivery capabilities, and pricing, with bidders required to meet or exceed outlined specifications and potentially face disqualification if 90% of items are not bid.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must complete comprehensive legal representations and certifications, including compliance with Texas state requirements such as not boycotting Israel or energy companies, maintaining proper cybersecurity training, and verifying no felony convictions. The historical spend for similar goods is approximately $50,000 for the period of 9/1/2024-8/31/2025, though this does not guarantee specific purchase volumes. Pricing must be submitted using the provided Exhibit C - Pricing Sheet, with firm, fixed prices for the contract's duration and potential adjustments based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) and federal minimum wage changes. Vendors must also complete a Warranty and Complaint Resolution Form, committing to resolving any product issues within 90 days and providing a point of contact for addressing potential concerns. The contract allows both HHSC and DSHS to utilize the resulting agreement, with potential for tracking and discontinuation of food awards for vendors failing to meet resolution requirements.