Procurement of Breeding Bulls

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is conducting a procurement for 100 virgin, purebred breeding bulls through an Invitation for Bids (IFB) numbered IM27495. The bulls must be born between September 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, and registered with specific breed associations including the American Angus Association and American Brahman Breeders Association. Specific breed requirements include Angus, Red Angus, Brahman, and Hereford bulls that will undergo a comprehensive Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE) by a Texas A&M veterinarian within ten business days of delivery. Each bull must be individually identified with a lot number and include Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) information for traits such as birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, total maternal, and maternal milk traits. The bulls must pass rigorous health certifications, including negative test results for brucellosis, tuberculosis, and trichomoniasis, and must be delivered to the TDCJ Ferguson Unit near Midway, Texas. The bid is scheduled to open on August 31, 2026, at 3 P.M., with a contract period covering September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must comply with standard state procurement requirements, including having a Federal Employer Identification Number and adhering to E-Verify regulations. The procurement process involves a detailed evaluation, with TDCJ reserving the right to award contracts based on factors including price, bidder performance history, and overall best value to the state. Successful bidders will be responsible for registration transfer fees and beef check-off fees, with payment to be issued through a state warrant approximately 30 days after purchase. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement involves 100 high-quality breeding bulls, which suggests a significant financial investment. The contract includes strict delivery and inspection protocols, with provisions for returning bulls that fail the post-purchase veterinary evaluation and requiring full vendor refunds for non-compliant animals.