IW222893 - Carrots

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Contracts and Procurement Department has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) numbered IW222893 for a blanket purchase order of fresh carrots for canning, specifically targeting 1,200.000 tons of hybrid carrots to be processed, sliced, field grade, topped, crowned, and washed for delivery to the Terrell Canning Plant & Potato Warehouse. The solicitation requires carrots with a neck diameter of one to two inches, with at least 50% crowned, and anticipates accepting 50-75 tons per day, primarily Monday through Friday. Bids are due on August 12, 2025, at 3 P.M., with an anticipated contract period from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. Electronic bid submissions are preferred and should be sent to bids@tdcj.texas.gov, with a hard copy backup option available. The unit price must include all delivery expenses, and vendors must provide contact information for delivery and invoicing representatives. Vendors will be expected to coordinate delivery logistics directly with the Terrell Canning Plant and meet specific quality and processing requirements.

The procurement includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting goal of 21.1%, which promotes equal business opportunities for economically disadvantaged vendors contracting with the State of Texas. Potential bidders must complete a comprehensive HUB Subcontracting Plan, which requires detailed documentation of subcontracting intentions, potential subcontractors, and good faith efforts to include Texas certified HUB vendors. The solicitation contains multiple compliance requirements, including provisions related to delinquent taxes, child support, public information disclosure, and E-Verify compliance. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the large volume of carrots (1,200 tons) suggests a significant contract value. Vendors must also meet various state-mandated certifications and ethical standards, with the TDCJ reserving the right to reject bids and make awards based on best value. Additional compliance requirements include intellectual property rights disclosures, non-discrimination clauses, and adherence to Texas government procurement regulations.