WIC Infant Formula Rebate

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is soliciting competitive bids for infant formula rebate contracts serving the WIC programs in Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, with bids due January 11, 2027 at 10:30 AM Central Time and questions due October 30, 2026 by 1:00 PM Central Time under IFB HHS0016707.

The procurement anticipates awarding up to two contracts—one for milk-based infant formula and one for soy-based infant formula, or a single contract covering both product lines. Contractors must supply formula in three physical forms: concentrated liquid, powdered, and ready-to-feed. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of two years of relevant formula rebate experience and comply with HUB subcontracting plan requirements and all federal WIC regulations under 7 CFR 246. The contractor is registered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Rebate pricing is structured on the manufacturer's lowest national wholesale cost per unit for full truckload quantities. Rebate amounts are calculated as a percentage discount applied to all contract brand formulas in the bidder's product line and automatically adjust on a cent-for-cent basis for wholesale price changes of 10 cents or more after bid opening. The contractor must remit rebate payments within thirty calendar days and is subject to one percent monthly penalty interest on outstanding balances. Historical rebate invoices from October 2025 through March 2026 are provided as exhibits; no volume or usage is guaranteed. Texas WIC participation averaged 178,075 infants monthly receiving contract formula (October 2025–March 2026), with Minnesota averaging 15,130, Iowa 13,477, and the Choctaw Nation approximately 1,025 monthly participants.

Contract performance runs October 1, 2027 through September 30, 2032, with a potential one-year extension available at HHS's sole discretion for transition purposes. The anticipated award date is February 3, 2027. Proposals may be submitted through the optional HHS Online Bid Room or according to instructions in the main solicitation. Bidders must submit completed Exhibits D (Pricing Proposal–FNS Bid Sheet), C (Pricing Sheet), E (Bidder Reference & Qualifications Form), and documentation demonstrating financial capability and capacity to perform across all participating jurisdictions.