Liquid sweetener, saccharin sugar substitute concentrate

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is soliciting bids for a blanket purchase order to procure liquid sweetener, saccharin sugar substitute concentrate, with deliveries primary to Snyder, Texas, and potentially to any TDCJ facility across the state. The solicitation, numbered IW236762, was posted on April 14, 2026, with responses due by April 30, 2026, and operates under NAICS code 311340. The contract is structured as an annual annual agreement aligned with the state fiscal year, running from September 1 to August 31, with any undelivered quantities automatically canceled at year-end. All deliveries must be F.O.B. destination, freight prepaid and allowed, with the vendor responsible for all shipping, import, and tariff costs included in the unit price. Packaging must adhere to minimum bottle sizes of 8 to 13 oz, with 12 bottles per case, and the product must contain adequate preservatives to ensure stability. Samples must be labeled with the respondent’s name, address, and the solicitation number, but no additional labeling, barcoding, or hazardous material specifications are provided. Bidders must comply with a robust set of contractual obligations, including mandatory certifications on E-Verify compliance, absence of suspension or debarment, no false statements, and no control by a foreign adversary. Use of artificial intelligence in performance requires prior written consent from TDCJ, and a Certificate of Interested Parties must be submitted prior to contract execution. Contractors must adhere to strict security protocols when delivering to correctional facilities, including escort requirements, prohibition of contraband, vehicle security, and potential search of personnel and property. All documentation must be submitted electronically in approved formats—PDF, Word, or Excel—with a recommended attachment limit of 10 MB per email. Invoices are to be submitted by mail to TDCJ Accounts Payable in Huntsville, TX, with a required Payee Identification Number, and electronic invoicing systems like WAWF or IPP are not used. The award will be based on a combination of price, past performance, quality and conformance, and other best value factors, though no weights or scoring methodology are provided, resulting in an ambiguous basis of award that leans toward lowest price technically acceptable with possible trade-off elements. The contract is governed by Texas law, with venue in Travis County, and non-compliance with any clause, including data security, records retention, or prohibited conduct, may