Tomato Paste

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Contracts and Procurement Department is seeking bids for tomato paste through Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. IW193615, with deliveries required to multiple distribution centers including Snyder, Beeville, and Wynne Food Service Warehouse. The procurement calls for USDA Grade A tomato paste with 24% to 26% soluble solids, packaged in No. 10 cans averaging 106 ounces, with 6 cans per case. Total estimated quantities include 8,983 cases for Snyder, 6,604 cases for Beeville, and 23,608 cases for Wynne, with bids due on December 9, 2024, at 3:00 PM CST. Bidders are required to submit pricing F.O.B. destination, including all freight, delivery, import, and tariff charges in the unit cost. The Blanket Purchase Order will run from the date of award through August 31, 2025, with orders placed on an "as needed" basis. Potential vendors must comply with specific security requirements for deliveries to correctional facilities, including mandatory security escorts and adherence to facility protocols.

No specific set-aside designations or Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) requirements are mentioned in the solicitation documents. There is no incumbent vendor currently providing tomato paste to the listed locations, and the current price is $31.48 per case. The TDCJ has noted flexibility in packaging, accepting 104 oz or 106 oz foodservice pouches as alternatives to No. 10 cans, provided bidders clearly note any specification exceptions. The agency reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities and can cancel the contract with 30 days' written notice. Electronic bid submission is preferred via BIDS@TDCJ.TEXAS.GOV, though hard copy submissions are also accepted. While no specific budget range is provided, the total estimated order is for approximately 39,195 cases of tomato paste, which at the current price would represent a potential contract value of around $1.23 million for the contract period.