High-Security Customized Check Stock

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) issued Request for Proposals No. 304-27-1701 on May 11, 2026, to procure high-security customized check stock for the production of state Warrants (checks guaranteed by the state treasury). The procurement seeks qualified vendors to supply security virgin bond paper meeting rigorous specifications, including 24 lb. weight, phantom images of the Texas State Capitol Building, watermarks, microprinting, MICR bands, thermochromic heat-reactive ink, and anti-fraud security features. The RFP employs a best-value evaluation methodology with cost weighted at 35 percent, quality and security features at 20 percent, respondent qualifications and past performance at 20 percent, security and chain-of-custody measures at 15 percent, and quality control measures at 10 percent. Pricing must be submitted on a per-sheet basis for standard orders up to 1,000,000 sheets and for orders exceeding 1,000,001 sheets, with separate pricing for 10-day express delivery (up to 250,000 sheets) and 48-hour express delivery (less than 250,000 sheets), with all costs including F.O.B. destination shipping included in unit prices. The submission deadline for written questions is May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with official responses released on May 21, 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically by June 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with presentations from top-ranked respondents potentially scheduled for June 11, 2026. The initial contract term runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal periods extending through August 31, 2031.

All respondents must complete and submit a HUB (Historically Underutilized Businesses) Subcontracting Plan demonstrating good faith effort to utilize Texas-certified HUB vendors as subcontractors, as mandated by Texas Government Code Chapter 2161 for contracts with expected values of $100,000 or more. Successful Respondents must maintain blanket employee dishonesty bonds ($25,000 minimum per individual), workers compensation insurance, general liability insurance ($1,000,000/$2,000,000), and professional liability insurance ($1,000,000/$2,000,000). Additional mandatory qualifications include submission of 25 sample sheets, VetHUB Subcontracting Plan completion, criminal background investigations of assigned personnel, compliance with data safeguard standards and cybersecurity training requirements, and detailed security protocols for protecting check stock, image carriers, and plates during production and storage. No incumbent vendors or budget values are specified in the procurement documents; however, historical data indicates the CPA anticipates annual purchases of approximately 2 million sheets based on prior usage. The RFP does not guarantee minimum or maximum quantities, and the contract will be awarded to one Successful Respondent. The procurement does not indicate any limitations on respondent eligibility beyond compliance with insurance, security, and HUB subcontracting requirements.