FOREIGN TRADE AND INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION SERVICES FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS ISRAEL OFFICE

The State of Texas is seeking proposals for Foreign Trade and Investment Representation Services to operate the Texas Israel Office (STIO) in Jerusalem, as authorized under Texas Government Code Section 481.027. The contract aims to enhance economic ties between Texas and Israel by supporting Israeli companies seeking to invest in Texas and Texas businesses aiming to export to Israel, with a focus on strengthening trade, investment, and tourism. The solicitation, numbered 301-26-06531, is issued by the Office of the Governor and requires respondents to submit a comprehensive proposal including mandatory exhibits such as an Execution of Proposal certification, Respondent Information Form, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, HUB Subcontracting Plan, and FCPA Anti-Corruption Certification. The contract will be awarded on a best-value basis, evaluating methodology, compensation, experience, responsiveness, and financial responsibility, with no guarantee of award despite solicitation issuance. The performance period begins January 16, 2026, and spans multiple contract terms extending through February 28, 2031, with monthly service fees outlined in a template schedule requiring pro-rating for partial months. The contractor must operate from an office in Jerusalem, maintain Texas-based compliance, and adhere to state-specific mandates including E-Verify use, prohibition of vaccine passport requirements, anti-boycott certifications, and restrictions on discrimination against firearm entities. Financial accountability is strict: invoices must be submitted monthly to the Office of the Governor’s Accounts Payable with contract number, TIN, and deliverable details, and payments are contingent on appropriation availability. The contractor must certify compliance with Texas procurement laws, disclose felony convictions, avoid conflicts of interest, and promptly report any material changes. Subcontracting to Texas-certified Historically Underutilized Businesses is mandatory, governed by statewide goals, and non-compliance results in rejection. All submissions must be delivered as one signed original and three hard copies in binders, along with a single digital PDF on CD, DVD, or USB, with no electronic submissions accepted. The response deadline is January 6, 2026, and proposals must conform to strict formatting rules including page limits, font size, and pagination. The contract includes provisions for amendment, no assignment without state approval, and termination for failure to meet the Acceptable Quality Level or for breach of representations. The contractor will serve as the designated representative of Texas in Israel, accountable directly to the Office of the Governor for meeting strategic economic objectives.