Liquid Sweetener, saccharin sugar substitute concentrate

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is soliciting bids for a blanket purchase order to procure liquid saccharin sugar substitute concentrate, to be delivered to Beeville, Texas, under solicitation number IW248885, with a response deadline of April 30, 2026. The product must conform to CID A-A-20178C, Type I, specifications and be packaged in plastic bottles of 8 to 13 ounces, with 12 bottles per case, and contain sufficient preservatives to ensure chemical, physical, and microbiological stability throughout its shelf life. Delivery is required F.O.B. destination, with all freight and charges included in the unit price, and delivery must occur within 14 calendar days if no specific timeline is provided. The estimated quantity is 1,157 cases, though quantities are non-binding estimates and no guaranteed minimums or contract value are specified. Bidders must submit proposals electronically to BIDS@TDCJ.TEXAS.GOV with the solicitation number in the subject line, using Word, Excel, or PDF formats with digital signatures where required, and attachments must not exceed 10 MB per email. The contract imposes stringent compliance and security requirements, including mandatory escorted access for all personnel on TDCJ property, prohibition of inmate interaction, vehicle and package inspections, and strict contraband restrictions such as no cell phones, weapons, or more than $25 in cash. Contractors must comply with Texas-specific statutes including EEO, OSHA, immigration laws, cybersecurity standards under TX-RAMP, data management rules, and AI disclosure mandates requiring prior written approval for any artificial intelligence use. Additional requirements include certification of non-debarment, disclosure of prior state employment within the last two years, submission of a Certificate of Interested Parties, and adherence to anti-boycott provisions under Texas law. Invoicing must reference the purchase order number and be sent to P.O. Box 4018, Huntsville, TX, or emailed only if discounted, with no electronic invoicing systems like WAWF used. The award will be based on a best-value trade-off considering price, past performance, quality, and other relevant factors, though the solicitation language also permits award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. All contract terms are governed under Texas law, with no assignment allowed without written consent, and severability clauses ensure enforceability of remaining provisions if any are found invalid.