Bread and Bakery Products

The Health and Human Services Commission of Texas is soliciting qualified vendors to supply bread and bakery products to its state hospitals and state-supported living centers, including campus canteens and coffee houses, under solicitation HHS0017445. The contract, scheduled to commence on September 1, 2026, and expire on August 31, 2027, carries an estimated total value of $2 million, with an annual value of $1 million, and includes the option for a one-year renewal through August 31, 2028, plus a possible one-year extension to ensure uninterrupted service during transition. All products must be fresh, properly date-stamped with sufficient shelf life before the best-by date, and delivered in compliance with strict food safety standards: deliveries must occur Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., using clean, enclosed vehicles and sanitary delivery racks free from contamination, pests, or vermin; cardboard cases, if used, must be undamaged and clean. Packaging must not display commercial advertising, and nutritional information must be available upon request. Bidders must offer firm, fixed prices for the entire contract term through Exhibit C - Pricing Sheet, submitting bids for 100% of the requested items within each Quality of Effort category or risk disqualification. Responses must be submitted electronically via email or the HHS Online Bid Room by the deadline of July 13, 2026, and are subject to the Texas Public Information Act, meaning all submissions become public records. Vendors must certify they are not suspended or debarred, comply with child support obligations, are not involved in telecommunications service restrictions under 2 CFR 200.216, do not require COVID-19 vaccine documentation for access, and do not boycott energy companies. Additionally, the contractor must provide an 11-digit Texas Identification Number, maintain an active telephone line during business hours, designate a contract representative, and submit monthly invoices with detailed descriptions linked to the pricing sheet and contract number. Evaluation will be based on performance delivery, price, ability to perform including operational capacity and financial stability, and past vendor performance, with award made to the vendor offering the best value to the state—not necessarily the lowest price. The contractor bears full responsibility for all labor, equipment, transportation, and compliance with state and federal regulations, including adherence to Texas Government Code provisions on accessibility, financial participation, and human trafficking prohibition