TDCJ board approves bundled purchases and contracts over $1 million; chairman abstains on vote

The Texas Board of Criminal Justice on Dec. 18 approved a package of 19 purchases and contract changes valued at more than $1 million each, ranging from increases to residential and outpatient substance-abuse treatment contracts to consultant support for the agency’s corrections information technology system.

Members heard a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Ron Steffa describing amendments that include multi-year increases for design-professional services, extensions and additional funding for substance abuse treatment and aftercare services, expanded veterinary services with Texas A&M, chemical and supply purchases at the Roach unit, and a contract for program and project management support for the SITS 2 offender-management program.

Steffa said the program-and-project-management contract would “assist in leading and managing the project and also provide support to the department during the transition to the new system.” After discussion, General Bill Welch moved to approve the purchases and contracts as presented; Pastor Nate Sprinkle seconded. The motion passed by voice vote. Chairman Eric Nichols asked that the record show he abstained from voting on this item because his firm represents entities included in the package.

Board members did not request roll-call tallies; the approval was recorded by voice vote. The board’s action clears the way for contract awards and 90-day extensions described in Steffa’s presentation.

The board’s consent on these items follows earlier procurement briefings and comes as TDCJ advances several technology and program contracts scheduled for solicitation in the coming months.