Stewards in Training

The Texas Racing Commission is soliciting proposals for Stewards in Training to provide official oversight services at racetracks across Texas in accordance with the Texas Racing Act and Commission Rules. The contract, issued under solicitation number 476-26-002 with a response deadline of September 30, 2026, is designed to support the 2025–2026 racing season and will be awarded as a blanket contract not to exceed $75,000 per fiscal year, with potential for renewal up to four years, resulting in a maximum estimated value of $300,000. Proposals will be evaluated based on a trade-off analysis prioritizing demonstrated competencies: 40% weight is assigned to skills shown during a face-to-face interview with the Chief Steward or designee, 25% to experience in regulating horse racing, 25% to prior experience as a racing official such as a placing judge or clerk of scales, and 10% to accreditations, formal education, or relevant practical experience. Eligibility requires certification at ROAP Level III and compliance with extensive state-mandated assurances, including E-Verify participation, criminal background checks, fingerprinting, cybersecurity training, and prohibition against business with foreign terrorist organizations or boycotts of Israel or U.S. energy companies. Contractors must perform services at any Texas racetrack designated by the Chief Steward, require travel throughout the state, and submit itemized timesheets for payment via electronic invoicing to payables@txrc.texas.gov, governed by the Texas Prompt Payment Act. Payment is contingent on approval by the Chief Steward and Deputy Executive Director, with no use of federal invoicing systems. The contract includes stringent compliance provisions such as certification of no conflicts of interest, verification against state and federal debarment lists, disclosure of prior state employment within the past two years, and assurance that no former TXRC employees have been hired within the past 12 months. Vendors must also maintain liability insurance, comply with data security requirements under Texas Government Code Chapter 2054, and adhere to the Texas Public Information Act and audit rights reserved by the State Auditor and TXRC. All submissions must be signed and submitted by email, fax, or mail to the TXRC Human Resource Team, with electronic Word format preferred. The contract does not specify physical delivery or packaging requirements, as it is entirely service-based, and contains no line-item pricing details