TDCJ-Chronic Static Water Flea Testing.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is seeking bids for chronic static water flea testing services through an Invitation for Bids (IFB) released on July 31, 2025. The procurement involves comprehensive water quality testing at multiple TDCJ units, including BETO Unit Maintenance, Coffield Unit, and C.T. Terrell Unit, with specific requirements for quarterly and semi-annual testing of Ceriodaphnia dubia water flea species and larval survival tests. Vendors must conduct testing across 2 to 12 testing units per line item, with strict performance requirements and adherence to security protocols. The initial contract term will run from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026, with an option to renew for an additional one-year period through August 31, 2027. Bid submissions are preferred electronically via email to bids@tdcj.texas.gov, with a recommended 10 MB attachment limit, and the bid will officially open on August 15, 2025, at 3 P.M. Potential bidders must meet comprehensive compliance requirements, including maintaining $1,000,000 in liability coverage, $500,000 in auto coverage, and statutory workers' compensation levels.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must comply with extensive legal representations outlined in the boilerplate contract, including E-Verify requirements, restrictions on doing business with certain entities, and adherence to Texas Government Code provisions. Bidders will be subject to background checks and must follow strict security procedures, including tool inventorying and restricted access protocols. While no specific budget range is detailed, vendors must demonstrate capabilities in water flea testing and environmental monitoring services. The contract requires vendors to maintain rigorous compliance with 50 distinct legal and ethical standards, including prohibitions on engaging with foreign terrorist organizations and maintaining appropriate employment eligibility. Potential bidders must proactively submit their contact information to ensure receipt of any solicitation amendments, with updates to be posted on the Electronic State Business Daily. Successful vendors will be expected to integrate seamlessly with existing TDCJ environmental monitoring infrastructure and demonstrate exceptional attention to scientific testing protocols and security requirements.