Zinc Fertilizer

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is soliciting bids for the procurement of zinc fertilizer under solicitation number IW248394, with responses due by May 8, 2026. The procurement is governed by state-level contract requirements rather than standard federal FAR clauses, with internal numbering for provisions such as Damage to Government Property, Independent Contractor, and Termination for Convenience. The contract requires vendors to supply new, unused zinc fertilizer in current production, with delivery to TDCJ’s designated receiving location in Texas under F.O.B. destination terms, freight prepaid and allowed. Proposals must include complete pricing details, manufacturer specifications, and samples labeled with the respondent’s name, address, and solicitation number. Bidders must comply with stringent security protocols, including mandatory escorting while on TDCJ property, vehicle searches, prohibition of contraband, strict limits on cash possession, and compliance with Personnel Directive PD-29 regarding interactions with inmates. Contractors and personnel must certify they have no felony convictions, are not suspended or debarred in SAM, and are not affiliated with foreign adversaries or terrorist organizations. The use of artificial intelligence in the procurement process is prohibited without prior written consent from TDCJ, and all electronic systems must support secure data erasure in accordance with Texas administrative rules. Cybersecurity training and data protection standards under state law are mandatory, and contractors may not use TDCJ’s name or trademarks without authorization. Invoices must reference the purchase order number, be itemized, and be mailed to TDCJ’s Accounts Payable in Huntsville, with electronic submission allowed only for discounted invoices. Evaluation for award will consider price, past performance, quality and conformance to specifications, and any other best value factors, with no assigned weights or formal scoring system, suggesting a potential trade-off methodology under Texas procurement statutes. The contract allows for up to 10% overshipment without penalty and is contingent upon the availability of state funds during the fiscal year from September 1 to August 31. All records must be retained per TDCJ’s records schedule and made available for audit. There is no defined contract value due to incomplete pricing data in the solicitation, and no small business set-asides or socioeconomic certifications are required.