HHS0016490v2 Snacks & Candy Rusk State Hospital

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) through its Procurement and Contracting Services division has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) number HHS0016490v2 for snacks and candy to be supplied to Rusk State Hospital, located in Travis County, Texas. The procurement seeks competitive bids for a comprehensive range of food service supplies including frozen/refrigerated sandwiches and burgers (such as double cheeseburgers, smoked ham and cheese wedges, turkey and cheese wedges, and BBQ rib sandwiches), various candy bars and confections (including Hershey's, Kit Kat, Reese's, M&M's, Snickers), chewing gum products, and paper food service trays. Bidders must submit pricing for nearly all listed items, with potential disqualification if 90% of items are not bid. The solicitation was posted on August 6, 2025, with questions due by August 13, 2025, and bid responses required by August 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central Time. The anticipated contract start date is September 1, 2025, with a potential one-year extension option. Vendors must provide firm, fixed pricing and commit to strict delivery requirements between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, excluding the lunch hour.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract requires vendors to comply with extensive legal and regulatory requirements, including cybersecurity training, E-Verify compliance, and certifications regarding foreign ownership and business practices. Vendors must provide comprehensive warranties, commit to resolving complaints within 90 days, and agree to potential cost assessments for investigation and resolution of product issues. The historical spending for similar goods was approximately $50,000 for the period September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025, though this does not guarantee future purchase volumes. The contract will operate on an "as needed" basis, with HHSC reserving the right to increase or decrease order quantities. Successful bidders must demonstrate the ability to meet rigorous product quality standards, with potential penalties for non-compliance, including discontinuation of food service awards. The procurement emphasizes Texas preference laws and requires vendors to adhere to numerous ethical and operational standards outlined in the extensive solicitation documentation.