Illustration Boards

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Contracts and Procurement Department is seeking a blanket purchase order for illustration boards through Invitation for Bids (IFB) Number IW216131. The procurement targets 1,500,000 case units of illustration boards to be used in TDCJ commissary statewide, with specific product requirements including board dimensions between 15-16 inches wide, 14 ply thickness, cold press surface, and white color. Preferred brands are Crescent, with Bainbridge and Strathmore listed as acceptable alternatives, and each case must contain between 10 to 50 boards. Electronic bid submissions are mandatory and must be sent to bids@tdcj.texas.gov by May 06, 2025 at 3 P.M., with a 10 MB attachment limit. The contract will be effective from the award date through August 31, 2025, with quantities estimated based on previous usage and projected needs. Bidders must be prepared for potential sample evaluations prior to award and must meet specific delivery requirements, preferably within 14 calendar days. TDCJ reserves the right to cancel the contract without cause and will base orders on actual requirements, with quantities not guaranteed.

The solicitation includes specific provisions for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification, indicating a potential set-aside or preference for disadvantaged business enterprises. Vendors must comply with state purchasing guidelines and Texas Government Code provisions, including restrictions on doing business with certain entities. The procurement process requires vendors to submit detailed contact information to ensure receipt of any amendments, which will be posted on the Electronic State Business Daily. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the large volume of 1,500,000 case units suggests a significant procurement value. Vendors must ensure compliance with UPC barcode labeling requirements and be prepared to meet the TDCJ's stringent vendor eligibility criteria. The solicitation emphasizes proactive communication, with bidders responsible for confirming receipt of all amendments prior to the closing date, and mandates submission of comprehensive contact details to maintain transparent communication channels throughout the bidding process.