TEXAS FACILITIES COMMISSION

P. O. Box 13047 Austin, Texas 78711-3047

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Architectural Engineering Services for Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Laboratory (DPHL2)

RFQ #0006457

PROJECT #25-017-0802

Posting Date: 8/7/2026 Submittal Due / Opening Date: 9/4/2026

Contents

RFQ #0006457

AE Services for DSHS New Public Health Lab

REV. 05/26/2026

SECTION I - GENERAL

1. SCOPE: In accordance with the provisions of Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A, Professional Services, and Rules and Procedures adopted by the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), TFC is requesting submittal of qualifications to provide prime professional architectural/engineering (A/E) services for Project #25-017-0802, Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Laboratory 2 (DPHL2).

2. CONTRACT TERM: It is the intention of TFC to award a Contract for full prime professional architectural/engineering (A/E) services for the term of the project. Services undertaken pursuant to this RFQ will be required to commence within ten (10) calendar days of delivery of a Notice to Proceed. The Project associated with the services requested in this solicitation is anticipated to be One thousand four hundred and sixty (1460) calendar days.

3. STATE FUNDING: This Contract is contingent upon the continued availability of funding. If funds become unavailable through lack of appropriations, legislative budget cuts, amendment of the Appropriations Act, state agency consolidations, or any other disruption of current appropriations, provisions of the Termination Article in the Professional Services Agreement shall apply.

4. AGENCY POINT OF CONTACT: The contact listed below shall be the sole point of contact during this solicitation. Any discussions regarding this solicitation with other agency personnel or TFC contractors, or sub-contractors may be grounds for disqualification.

A. Purchaser Name: Robert Sonnier, CTCD, CTCM B. Purchaser Email: robert.sonnier@tfc.texas.gov

5. BACKUP POINT OF CONTACT: If the contact above is not available, the contact listed below may be contacted.

A. Purchaser Name: Rico Gamino, CTCD, CTCM B. Purchaser Email: rico.gamino@tfc.texas.gov

6. DEFINITIONS:

A. Addendum: A modification of the specifications issued by TFC.

B. BSL (Biosafety Level) 1,2 and 3 define the safety measures required for handling biological agents.

1) BSL-1: Suitable for work with well-characterized agents that are not known to cause diseases in healthy adults. Basic laboratory safety practices are sufficient.

2) BSL-2: Designed for work involving moderate-risk agents that can cause disease but are not easily transmitted. It requires additional safety measures, such as restricted access and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

3) BSL-3: Intended for work with pathogens that can cause serious or potentially lethal disease through inhalation. This level requires specialized facilities, including controlled access, ventilation systems, and more stringent PPE requirements.

C. Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD): the designated website where state agencies, universities, and municipalities post formal solicitations (over $25K), addenda to posted solicitations, and awards. The link to the ESBD is http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd D. Good Faith Effort: Effort required by vendors when completing the Attachment C, HUB Subcontracting Plan, which demonstrates the Respondent has completed one of the following for the planned subcontracting needs: A) Performing “Traditional Good Faith Effort” of soliciting bids from two VetHUBs for each subcontracting opportunity, and allowing seven business days for response, B) Self-Performing Contract (performing all work with own materials and labor), or C) Utilizing a Mentor Protégé Relationship.

E. HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP): The HSP required by Chapter 2161 of the Texas Government Code (TGC) and by Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter D, §20.281- §20.298 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC).

F. Historically Underutilized Business (HUB): As defined in Title 34, Rule 20.282 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC).

G. Mentor Protégé Relationship: A formal agreement that is recognized by the State of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. For a listing of Mentor Protégé agreements click on link: https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/mentorprotege/ctg/menproPairs/ H. Owner: The Texas Facilities Commission.

I. Project Management Firm. The firm designated by the Owner authorized to represent the Owner during the performance of the contract. The Project Management Firm (PMF) for this project is Kitchell CEM. Project Manager: The individual designated by the Owner authorized to represent the Owner during the performance of the Contract.

J. Respondent: An individual, partnership, or corporation that responds to this RFQ.

K. RFQ: Request for Qualifications

SECTION II - PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1. The Texas 89th Legislature has appropriated funding to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide increased laboratory capacity. The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) is providing the design and construction for the new DPHL2 Project, in support of a major campus expansion project for DSHS, with its main campus located at 1100 W 49th St, Austin, TX 78756. DSHS services all Texans and provides essential services such as disease surveillance, prevention and intervention, maternal and child health programs, consumer protection programs, disaster preparedness and response, vital statistics, laboratory testing, and regional and local health services.

A primary objective is expanding the existing laboratory space to accommodate evolving technology and growing population. The scope of work includes full design services for the construction of a new 220,000-square-foot laboratory building, to be located adjacent to the existing facility. The new laboratory building will provide state-of-the-art clinical and molecular diagnostic testing space designed to accommodate current operational needs while allowing for long-term growth and flexibility. The new building will be made up of BSL1 and BSL 2 labs for newborn screening (200,000 GSF) as well as a BSL 3 separate facility (20,000 GSF).

The project represents a significant investment in advancing DSHS’s mission, and the A/E team will be required to work in close collaboration with the DSHS, TFC, TFC’s PMF (Kitchell CEM), other consultants, Construction Manager at Risk, and multiple stakeholders to deliver a flexible, innovative, and technically complex facility that supports future expansion.

2. Approximate cost of construction for the aforementioned list of projects is estimated to be two hundred million dollars ($200,000,000.00).

3. At the time of the RFQ issuance, the Owner has engaged Kitchell CEM as the Project Management Firm (PMF) to manage this project.

4. THIRD PARTY CONSULTANTS: TFC shall provide or contract with third-party firms for Site Services Engineer, Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) Services, RAS Review, Commissioning (CxA), and Construction Materials Testing (CMT), and others if needed to support the project.

5. See Attachment F for a copy of the DSHS Preliminary Site Plan

SECTION III - STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Phase 1: Scope of Work - The following outlines the general scope of work anticipated to be performed on this project. Final detailed scope of work will be negotiated with the highest ranked A/E.

a) Develop the Building Space Program and Requirements

b) Lab and Equipment Planning

c) Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Requirements

d) Preliminary budget estimate

2) Concept Design:

a) Detailed site fit options

b) Development of initial design concepts

c) Preliminary sketches and diagrams

d) Update cost estimates and budget alignment

a) Detailed schematic drawings

c) Preliminary selection of materials and finishes

d) Integration of building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)

e) Coordination with consultants (structural, civil, landscape)

f) Lab Equipment

g) Update cost estimates and budget alignment

2) Engineering Services:

a) Structural engineering

b) Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering

c) Civil engineering for site development

d) Sustainability solutions and energy modeling

a) Updated design to align with revised cost estimate

b) Detailed design development drawings

c) Selection of all materials, finishes, and systems

d) Integration of all engineering systems with architectural design

e) Lab equipment

f) Updated cost estimates and budget alignment

2) Regulatory Approvals:

a) Preparation of documents for necessary approvals

b) Compliance with all required building codes and standards

c) Regulatory requirements the new laboratory would need to comply with, links and descriptions for the regulations:

(1) In order for DSHS to perform clinical diagnostic testing, such as newborn screening, they must meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements. Congress passed the initial CLIA regulations in 1988 and there have been many updates since that time. The regulations were put in place to protect patients by ensuring the test results were reliable and accurate. The requirements DSHS follows are based on the complexity of the testing methods.

https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/clinical-laboratory-improvement-amendments.

(2) DSHS is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for our CLIA certification. The CAP requirements are as stringent or more stringent than the CLIA requirements. https://www.cap.org/laboratory-improvement/accreditation/laboratory-accreditation-program

(3) DSHS laboratory is also part of the CDC Laboratory Response Network (LRN), both biological and chemical (LRN-B and LRN-C) https://www.cdc.gov/laboratory-response-network/php/about/index.html.

As an LRN-B advance laboratory, DSHS must meet the Federal Select Agent Program Tier 1 requirements. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. *Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories*. 6th ed., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020. Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 6th Edition | CDC Laboratories https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-73.

(4) American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. ASHRAE Laboratory Design Guide: Planning and Operation of Laboratory HVAC Systems. 2nd Ed. Atlanta (GA): ASHRAE; 2015

(5) Bloodborne Pathogens, 29 C.F.R. Part 1910.1030 (1992) 1910.1030 - Bloodborne pathogens. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(6) Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Protection of Laboratory Workers from Occupationally Acquired Infections: Approved Guideline- Forth Edition. CLSI document M29-A4. Wayne (PA): Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2014. https://clsi.org/shop/standards/m29/Presentation of 100% Design Development Documents to Owner for review and approval. Upon acceptance of Phase I, and authorization by Owner, proceed with Phase II.

2. Phase II – Scope of Work - The following outlines the general scope of work anticipated to be performed on this project. Final detailed scope of work will be negotiated with the highest ranked A/E.

A. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION PHASE

1) Detailed Drawings and Specifications:

a) Updated design to align with revised cost estimate

b) Complete set of construction drawings

c) Detailed specifications for all materials and systems

d) Coordination of all disciplines (architecture, structure, MEP, landscape)

e) Update cost estimates and budget alignment

2) Bidding and Negotiation:

a) Assistance of bid package documents

b) Value engineering as required

c) Coordinate with third party commissioning agent throughout design and construction administration.

d) Provide the Owner with a final list of items to be tested and/or inspected including, but not limited to, ADA, Commissioning, Testing and Balancing, Environmental, and Construction Materials testing.

B. CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION PHASE

1) Project Management:

a) Regular site visits and inspections

b) Review and approval of shop drawings and material samples

c) Coordination meetings with contractor and subcontractors

2) Quality Control:

a) Ensuring compliance with design intent and specifications

b) Addressing any construction issues or modifications

c) Final inspections and punch list preparation

d) Final project close out and documentation

3) Post-Construction Services:

a) As-built drawings and documentation

b) Commissioning of building systems

c) Warranty inspections and follow-up

d) Project closeout

e) Project activation

C. ADDITIONAL SERVICES

1) Interior Design: Selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E)

2) Landscape Architecture: Design of outdoor spaces, plantings, and site features

3) Security Design: Integration of advanced security systems and protocols

4) Low Voltage – Air Vent (LV/AV): Design of low voltage and audio video systems.

5) Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) Services

6) A list of necessary testing and inspections to be provided to Owner including, but not limited to, ADA, Commissioning, Testing and Balancing, Environmental, and Construction Materials testing.

3. A/E services shall be offered with the understanding of full compliance with non-discrimination requirements of the State of Texas by the A/E.

SECTION IV – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

1. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: TFC reserves the right to change the dates shown below.

(OR)

If Interviews are NOT required by TFC

If Interviews are required by TFC

Per Texas Government Code Chapter 2166.203, The Texas Facilities Commission is using the RFQ ‘Issue Date’ as noted in the Schedule of Events above as the official 30 day notification requirement for an interview with a design professional firm.

2. MANDATORY PRE-SUBMITTAL TELECONFERENCES: The mandatory pre-submittal teleconferences will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM and Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Pre-registration is required to participate in the teleconference. Respondents must have an employee of their firm attend at least one (1) of the two (2) scheduled pre-submittal teleconferences. It is not required to attend both. TFC shall reject submittals submitted by firms that did not attend one of the mandatory pre-submittal conferences.

A. Pre-Registration is required

1) Register in advance for the Tuesday, August 18th, 1 PM meeting with this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/0nsbvmPMRXGu8YDteRFLkw

2) Register in advance for the Wednesday, August 19th, 10 AM meeting with this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/m43UjkteRMuwyuWilbmX_Q

SECTION V – SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Electronic Submission: TFC is using the OpenGov electronic procurement system to receive responses. Respondents interested in submitting a response must register for an OpenGov account (No Charge). Submittals shall be uploaded per the instructions in Attachment G – OpenGov Submission Instructions prior to 3:00 PM on the date specified in the Schedule of Events. In order to ensure that all documents are submitted before the deadline, allow enough time to upload the documents into the portal. We recommend beginning the upload process one (1) day prior to deadline date. Facsimile and email proposals are not acceptable responses to this RFQ.

2. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Respondents shall upload their qualifications through the TFC OpenGov portal as specified in Attachment G – OpenGov Submission Instructions. Requested documentation includes:

A. Package 1 – Required Documentation:

1) Attachment A – Execution of Submittal

2) Acknowledgement of Addenda

3) Litigation History B. Package 2 – VetHUB Documentation

1) Attachment C – VetHUB Subcontracting Plan

2) Backup documentation as applicable C. Package 3 – Scored Documentation

1) Company Information

2) Attachment B – A/E Questionnaire Form

3) Relevant Experience and Qualifications

4) Proposed Methodology

5) Quality Assurance/Quality Control D. Organization: Document pages should be numbered and contain an organized, paginated table of contents corresponding to the section and pages of the submittal.

E. File Format: File format shall be as indicated in Attachment G – OpenGov Submission Instructions F. Submittal Costs: Respondents to this RFQ are responsible for all costs of submittal and interview preparation and delivery costs.

3. PUBLIC INFORMATION: TFC will not consider any submittal that bears a copyright. As a state agency, TFC will strictly adhere to the requirements of Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code (the "Texas Public Information Act") regarding the disclosure of public information. As a result, by participating in this solicitation process Respondent acknowledges that all information, documentation, and other materials submitted in response to this solicitation may be subject to public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act. TFC does not have authority to agree that any information submitted will not be subject to disclosure. Disclosure is governed by the Texas Public Information Act. Respondents are advised to consult with their legal counsel concerning disclosure issues resulting from this process and to take precautions to safeguard trade secrets and proprietary or otherwise confidential information. TFC assumes no obligation or responsibility relating to the disclosure or nondisclosure of information submitted by Respondents. If it is necessary for Respondent to include trade secrets or proprietary or otherwise confidential information in its submittal, Respondent must clearly mark in bold red letters the term “CONFIDENTIAL” using at least 14 point font, on that specific part or page of the submittal which Respondent believes to be confidential. All submittals and parts of submittals that are not marked confidential will be automatically considered to be public information. Should trade secrets or proprietary or otherwise confidential information be included in any submitted electronic medium, Respondent should mark the medium with the word “CONFIDENTIAL.” If TFC receives a public information request seeking information marked by Respondent as confidential, Respondent will receive notice of the request as required by the Texas Public Information Act. If TFC receives a public information request for submittals and parts of submittals that are not marked confidential, the information will be disclosed to the public as required by the Texas Public Information Act.

4. CONTENTS: Below is a summary of required information. TFC reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to waive minor technicalities and errors in the best interest of the State. The Attachment A - Execution of Submittal, the Attachment B - A/E Questionnaire Form, and Attachment C – HUB Subcontracting Plan shall be returned; failure to do so shall result in disqualification.

A. Company Information: <Pass/Fail> Including, but not limited to the following:

1) Company description;

2) Ownership information;

3) Physical and Mailing addresses;

4) Other company locations/offices;

5) Primary contact;

6) Office and mobile telephone numbers, and email of primary contact; and

7) 11-Digit State of Texas Vendor Identification Number.

8) Indicate if your firm or any of its subsidiaries filed or met criteria for bankruptcy within the past five years. If so, provide explanation.

9) Identify if your firm is currently in default on any loan agreement or financing agreement with any bank, financial institution, or other entity? If so, specify date(s), details, circumstances, and prospects for resolution.

10) Identify if your company is currently for sale or involved in any transaction to expand or become acquired by another business entity? If so, explain the impact both in organization and company direction.

11) Indicate if your company has ever failed to complete a project or if a project was ever stopped in the middle of a project within the past five years and if so, what were the dates and circumstances.

12) Indicate if your company has had a contract terminated for default or convenience within the past five years. If yes, specify, dates, details, and circumstances.

13) Minimum Qualifications:

a. Out of State vendors doing business in Texas shall have a Certificate of Authority to do business in Texas. A copy of the certificate shall be submitted with the submittal.

b. In accordance with Texas Occupations Code Title 6, Subchapter I § 1001.405. Practice by Business Entity; Registration, all Engineering firms submitting a response to this request for Qualifications must maintain current “business entity registration” with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (PELS) concurrent with their submission of said response and, if selected, through the term of the Contract. Provide a copy of your company PELS Certificate of Registration with your response.

c. In accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 22, Part 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter G, Rule §1.124, Business Registration, all Architectural firms submitting a response to this Request for Qualifications must maintain current “business entity registration” with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) concurrent with their submission of said response and, if selected, through the term of the Contract. Provide a copy of your company TBAE Certificate of Registration with your response.

B. Relevant Experience & Qualifications: <70 pts.>

1) Proposed Project Team:

a. Provide an Organizational Chart for your proposed project team.

b. Provide résumés for each project team member and describe each member’s responsibilities for the Project.

c. Detail previous experience of team members working together on projects, and the firm’s previous experience working with major subconsultants proposed for this project. A matrix format is recommended.

2) Location:

a. Identify the location of your company’s office that will directly support the Project.

b. Explain how responsive service will be provided.

3) Relevant Experience:

a. Complete and submit the Attachment B, A/E Questionnaire Form. The form can be obtained electronically at the TFC website: https://web.tfc.texas.gov/vendors/doing-business-with-tfc/construction-forms Document #19, Index of Forms.

b. Identify five (5) most relevant past completed projects similar in size and scope to the project requested in this RFQ.

(a) Projects must have been completed within the last five years.

(b) Particularly highlight your firm’s experience on these projects with the following:

(1) Public Health Laboratories

(2) Newborn Screening Laboratories (BSL 1 & BSL 2)

(3) BSL-3 Laboratories and/or Select Agent Tier I Facilities

(4) Clinical and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories

(c) Identify the team members from the proposed project team and their role on the presented projects.

(d) Provide the location for each project.

(e) Demonstrate experience in meeting completion date schedules by providing the original duration and final duration on these five projects on the A/E Questionnaire form. Provide explanation on any variance experienced.

(f) Demonstrate experience in maintaining budgets by providing the awarded budget and the final completion budget. Provide explanation on any variance experienced.

c. In addition to the five most relevant projects detailed above, provide other pertinent project information, including older or current ongoing projects of comparable scope to the project solicited in this RFQ.

4) Subconsultants: TFC will also consider the relevant experience and qualifications of major subconsultants/subcontractors, those proposed to perform approximately 15% or more of the project, listed on the HUB Subcontracting Plan. An Attachment B - A/E Questionnaire Form may be included in the submittal for each major subconsultants/subcontractors, and any additional company information provided as appropriate.

C. Proposed Methodology: <20 pts.> Provide an outline of your firm’s process to implement the requirements of the RFQ Scope of Work into a finished project. Specifically, how will your firm approach and develop the various design challenges into one achievable, compliant and coherent project. This shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1) Understanding of the Project Scope and Objectives

a) Demonstrate an understanding of the RFQ Scope of Work.

b) Outline the project objectives and expected outcomes.

2) Approach to Project Management

a) Project management methodology.

b) Key phases and milestones.

c) Roles and responsibilities of the project team.

d) Communication plan with stakeholders.

3) Design Process

a) Approach to integrating all Lab functional and MEP requirements.

b) Collaboration with stakeholders

c) Incorporation of sustainable and energy-efficient design practices.

d) Steps to obtain necessary design approvals.

4) Regulatory Compliance and Permitting

a) Strategy for ensuring compliance with state and DSHS required regulations.

b) Process for obtaining all necessary permits.

c) Addressing potential regulatory challenges.

5) Construction Administration

a) RFI’s, Submittals, OAC Meetings, Site Visits, Pay Application Process, and Budget Monitoring

6) Stakeholder Engagement

a) Plan for engaging and communicating with stakeholders.

b) Methods for incorporating stakeholder feedback into the project.

c) Punchlist procedures.

d) Lab testing and activation process D. Quality Assurance / Quality Control: <10 pts.>

1) Provide a description of your firm’s quality assurance program. Provide the name and job title of the person in your organization who oversees your quality assurance program. TFC reserves the right to require a copy of your Quality Control Manual and Quality Assurance Processes, which, if contracted, will become a Contract document.

2) Respondent shall describe its quality requirements and means of measurement. Provide a process flow chart on how quality is maintained and achieved.

3) Respondent shall describe the firm’s policy regarding establishing quality control processes similar to ISO 9000 and other in-place controls for adherence to budget, quality, safety and schedule.

E. Litigation History: <Pass/Fail>

1) Provide details of all past or pending litigation or administrative claims involving Respondent within the past five (5) years. Failure to provide this information may be grounds for disqualification.

2) Respondents involved in litigation with owners or Architect/Engineer firms may be disqualified at the full and sole discretion of TFC.

F. Attachment A - Execution of Submittal: Failure to sign and return the Attachment A - Execution of Submittal shall result in rejection of the response.

G. Addenda Acknowledgment: Receipt of all addenda to this RFQ should be acknowledged by checking each addendum in the OpenGov portal. Any amendment to this procurement solicitation will be posted as an addendum on the ESBD and OpenGov. It is the responsibility of interested parties to periodically check online for updates to the solicitation prior to solicitation submittal. Respondent’s failure to periodically check the ESBD will in no way release the selected vendor from “addenda or additional information” resulting in additional costs to meet the requirements of the RFQ.

H. HUB Subcontracting Plan: Submittal Requirements: In accordance with the Texas Government Code (TGC), Sections 2161.181-182 and Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter D, §20.281- §20.298 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), the TFC shall make a Good Faith Effort to utilize VetHUBs in contracts for general services, construction services, professional and consulting services, and commodities contracts. Failure to complete and return the Attachment C – HUB Subcontracting Plan shall result in rejection of the response. The purpose of the Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) Program is to promote full and equal business opportunities for all businesses in State contracting in accordance with 34 TAC § 20.284.

1) Statement of Probability: TFC has determined that subcontracting opportunities are probable in connection with this procurement solicitation. Therefore, a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) is required as a part of the Respondent's Submittal. The awarded Respondent shall develop and administer an HSP as a part of the Respondent's Contract.

2) As mandated by 34 TAC § 20.285 Respondents must submit a HUB Subcontracting Plan that identifies all subcontracting items and complies with good faith effort requirements.

3) Pursuant to TGC § 2161.252(B), the Texas Facilities Commission shall reject any response that does not include a fully completed HSP. An incomplete HSP is considered a material failure to comply with the solicitation requirements.

4) The HSP shall become a provision of the Contract between the awarded Respondent and TFC. The awarded Respondent can only change the HSP if (a) the Respondent complies with 34 TAC Section 20.285; (b) the Respondent provides its proposed changes to TFC for review; (c) TFC approves the Respondent’s proposed changes to its HSP; and (d) TFC and the Respondent amends their contract by submitting a revised HUB Subcontracting Plan containing the changes approved by TFC.

5) If TFC determines that the Respondent failed to implement the HSP in good faith, TFC, in addition to any other remedies, may report nonperformance to the Texas Comptroller in accordance with 34 TAC, Section 20.285, (h) (3).

6) HUB subcontracting opportunities may be available in the following NIGP commodity class/item codes and descriptions: The list below contains the ‘Class’ (three-digit) and ‘Item’ (two-digit) codes of potential subcontracting trades for this solicitation. These codes are defined by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). A complete listing of all NIGP Class & Item Codes can be found at: https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/nigp/

7) If assistance is needed in preparing the HUB Subcontracting Plan, potential Respondents may contact the Office of Business Opportunities by email at opportunities@tfc.texas.gov.

8) Requirement to Utilize HUB Compliance Reporting System. Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code, Title 34 §§ 20.285(h) and 20.285(g), TFC administers HSP-PAR compliance monitoring through a HUB Compliance Reporting System commonly known as B2G. The successful Respondent and any subcontractors must submit required PAR information into the B2G system. Any delay in the timely submission of PAR information into the B2G system will be treated as an invoicing error subject to dispute under TX Government Code Section 2251.042.

5. INQUIRIES

A. All inquiries shall be submitted through the OpenGov portal or by email to Agency Points of Contact listed above.

B. All inquiries submitted by email shall be in an editable format, i.e. typed in an email or submitted in Microsoft Word, as opposed to an un-editable format such as Adobe Acrobat .pdf files.

C. All inquiries will result in responses posted online in OpenGov and ESBD.

D. Any Respondents finding discrepancies between the provided documents, or in doubt as to their exact meaning, shall notify TFC at once. TFC may then, as an option, issue addenda clarifying the same. TFC is not responsible for oral instructions or for misinterpretation of the drawings and specifications.

E. Upon issuance of this RFQ, beside written inquiries as described above, other employees and representatives of TFC and the using agency will not answer questions or otherwise discuss the contents of the RFQ with any potential Respondent. This restriction does not preclude discussions with TFC for the purpose of conducting business unrelated to this solicitation. Failure to observe this restriction may be grounds for disqualification.

6. SUBMISSION DEADLINES

A. Submittals shall be uploaded to OpenGov portal by 3:00 PM on the date specified in the Schedule of Events above. In order to ensure that all documents are submitted before the deadline, TFC recommends beginning the upload process well in advance of the deadline to allow enough time to upload the documents into the Portal.

B. Follow the submittal instructions specified in the Attachment G – OpenGov Submission Instructions.

C. Facsimile and email submittals are not acceptable responses to the RFQ.

D. Respondents having difficulty using the online system should be addressed through OpenGov support. If unable to upload the documents to the OpenGov Portal, contact the Purchaser prior to the deadline to make alternate arrangements. Failure to contact the Purchaser prior to the deadline will result in deeming submittal non-responsive or late.

7. RECEIPT OF SUBMITTALS

A. Submittals will be received until the date and time established for receipt, then the portal will close. Names of all Respondents are visible on the OpenGov portal by navigating to the Followers tab on the project. Tabulations will not be divulged until after contract award.

B. All submittals shall become the property of the State of Texas after the deadline/opening date.

C. Submittal shall constitute an offer for a period of ninety (90) days or until selection is made by TFC.

SECTION VI - EVALUATION AND AWARD

1. It is the intent of TFC to award a contract to the Respondent whose qualifications are considered to be ‘most qualified’ for the services solicited in this RFQ.

2. TFC reserves the right to make a determination to cancel the solicitation and not make a recommendation for an award.

3. An evaluation committee will be established to evaluate the submittals. The committee will include employees of TFC and may include other impartial individuals who are not TFC employees. By submitting qualifications in response to this RFQ, the Respondent accepts the solicitation and evaluation process and acknowledges and accepts that scoring of the submittals may involve some subjective judgments by the evaluation committee.

4. The evaluation committee will evaluate and score each submittal based on the following criteria:

5. When considering vendor qualifications, TFC reserves the right to set a minimum requirement regarding the weighted criteria listed in paragraph 4 above.

6. The evaluation committee will determine if interviews/discussions are necessary. Award of a contract may be made without interviews/discussions if in the best interest of the state. The evaluation committee may determine that discussions are necessary to clarify or verify a written submittal. TFC may, at its discretion, elect to have Respondents provide oral presentations/interviews of their submittal. Scoring of the interview may replace the initial scoring of the submittal. The following will be expected during an interview:

A. A short presentation detailing company history and projects relevant to the current project, and confirmation of information presented in the submittal.

B. Attendance by team members assigned to the project to represent themselves as to their relative experience and proposed involvement in the project. Representation by the Project Manager is essential in this interview.

C. An agenda for the interview will be provided by TFC requiring an elaboration of company relevant experience, proposed methodology, and quality program for the Project.

7. Giving priority in order of the ranking determined by the scores, TFC will undertake to negotiate a professional architectural/engineering agreement with the firm which is evaluated as the highest scoring firm, deemed the most qualified for the project. If the agreement cannot be executed, the negotiations will be formally terminated and TFC will attempt to negotiate an agreement with the next firm in order of scoring until an agreement is reached, the list is exhausted, or there are no more suitable Respondents, upon which the solicitation will be cancelled and may be re-issued.

8. In evaluating submittals, TFC may consider information related to past contract performance of a Respondent including, but not limited to, the Vendor Performance Tracking System available at http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/vpts. Prior work performance with TFC, and other State agencies or governmental entities which are familiar with a Respondent’s performance, depending on problems encountered, may be grounds for disqualification.

SECTION VII – POST SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

1. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FROM SELECTED FIRM:

A. Professional liability insurance in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 and other standard business insurance coverage, as may be required by the Contract.

B. Respondent may be required to file a Disclosure of Interested Parties, Form 1295 with the Texas Ethics Commission.

C. Execution of an appropriate professional services contract.

2. RIGHT TO AUDIT: Vendor understands that acceptance of funds under this Contract acts as acceptance of the authority of the State Auditor’s Office, TFC or any successor agency, to conduct an audit or investigation in connection with those funds. Vendor further agrees to cooperate fully with the above parties in the conduct of the audit or investigation, including providing all records requested. Vendor shall ensure that this clause concerning the authority to audit funds received indirectly by subcontractors through the vendor and the requirement to cooperate is included in any subcontract it awards.

3. PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: News or social media releases pertaining to this RFQ or the services, study, data, or project to which it relates shall not be made without TFC’s prior written authorization. In the exercise of TFC’s sole and absolute discretion, any breach by the Respondent may result in the disqualification of response or cancellation of this RFQ and the disqualification of the Respondent to respond to any re-solicitation.

4. PROTESTS: Protests filed in accordance with this solicitation shall be governed by TAC Title 1, Administration, Part 5 Texas Facilities Commission, Chapter 111 Administration, Subchapter C Complaints and Dispute Resolution, §111.32 Protests/Dispute Resolution/Hearings.

5. RISK OF NON-PERFORMANCE: TFC may disqualify a Respondent if there is an unacceptable risk that it will fail to perform the Contract. The Respondent bears the burden of establishing:

A. ability, capacity, and skill to perform the contract or provide the service required B. ability to perform the contract or provide the service promptly, or in the time required, without delay or interference C. character, responsibility, and integrity D. current compliance with laws relating to the contract or service E. sufficient financial resources to perform the contract and provide the service, and F. conformity to all material specifications required in this Solicitation.

G. TFC may consider any source of information it deems reliable.

6. ORDER PRECEDENCE: In the event of conflicts or inconsistencies between this Contract and its exhibits or attachments, such conflicts or inconsistencies shall be resolved by reference to the documents in the following order of priority: 1) Amendments to the Contract, Signed Contract, Request for Qualifications, and Respondent’s Response to Request for Qualifications.

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ATTACHMENT A - EXECUTION OF SUBMITTAL

NOTE: RESPONDENTS SHALL COMPLETE, SIGN, AND RETURN THIS ATTACHMENT WITH THEIR SUBMITTAL. FAILURE TO DO SO SHALL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION OF THE SUBMITTAL.

By signature hereon, the respondent affirms that:

RESPONDENT AFFIRMATIONS:

1. Having carefully reviewed the RFQ, the Contract, and all other Attachments, as well as the premises and conditions affecting the work, if selected, Respondent hereby agrees to enter into negotiations with TFC and to refine the scope, and if agreement is reached, furnish proposal, furnish required proof of insurance, and execute the Attachment D – Professional Services Agreement.

2. Standard of Care for Architectural and Engineering Contractors: Pursuant to Section 2254.0031 of the Texas Government Code, which incorporates by reference Section 271.904(d) of the Texas Local Government Code, Respondent shall perform services (1) with professional skill and care ordinarily provided by competent engineers or architects practicing under the same or similar circumstances and professional license, and (2) as expeditiously as is prudent considering the ordinary professional skill and care of a competent engineer or architect.

3. False Statements: Respondent represents and warrants that all statements and information prepared and submitted in this document are current, complete, true, and accurate. Submitting a Response with a false statement or material misrepresentations made during the performance of a contract is a material breach of contract and may void the submitted Response and any resulting contract.

4. Buy Texas Affirmation: In accordance with Section 2155.4441 of the Texas Government Code, Respondent agrees that during the performance of a contract for services it shall purchase products and materials produced in Texas when they are available at a price and time comparable to products and materials produced outside this state.

5. Dealings with Public Servants Affirmation: Respondent has not given, offered to give, nor intends to give at any time hereafter any economic opportunity, future employment, gift, loan gratuity, special discount, trip, favor, or service to a public servant in connection with the submitted response.

6. Antitrust Affirmation: The undersigned affirms under penalty of perjury of the laws of the State of Texas that (1) in connection with this Response, neither I nor any representative of the Respondent have violated any provision of the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act, Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code Chapter 15; (2) in connection with this Response, neither I nor any representative of the Respondent have violated any federal antitrust law; and (3) neither I nor any representative of the Respondent have directly or indirectly communicated any of the contents of this Response to a competitor of the Respondent or any other company, corporation, firm, partnership or individual engaged in the same line of business as the Respondent.

7. Texas Bidder Affirmation: Respondent certifies that if a Texas address is shown as the address of the Respondent on this Response, Respondent qualifies as a Texas Bidder as defined in Section 2155.444(c) of the Texas Government Code.

8. Financial Participation Prohibited: Pursuant to Section 2155.004(a) of the Texas Government Code, Respondent certifies that neither Respondent nor any person or entity represented by Respondent has received compensation from Agency to participate in the preparation of the specifications or solicitation on which this Response or contract is based. Under Section 2155.004(b) of the Texas Government Code, Respondent certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Response or contract is not ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that the contract may be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.

9. Executive Head of a State Agency Affirmation: In accordance with Section 669.003 of the Texas Government Code, relating to contracting with the executive head of a state agency, Respondent certifies that it is not (1) the executive head of the TFC (2) a person who at any time during the four years before the date of the contract was the executive head of the TFC, or (3) a person who employs a current or former executive head of the TFC.

10. Former Agency Employees: In accordance with Section 2252.901 of the Texas Government Code, Respondent represents and warrants that for professional services contracts as described by Chapter 2254 of the Texas Government Code, if a former employee of TFC was employed by Respondent within one year of the employee's leaving the agency, then such employee will not perform services on projects with Respondent that the employee worked on while employed by TFC.

11. Employment Restrictions for Former Employees: Respondent acknowledges that, pursuant to Section 572.069 of the Texas Government Code, a former state officer or employee of TFC who during the period of state service or employment participated on behalf of TFC in a procurement or contract negotiation involving Respondent may not accept employment from respondent before the second anniversary of the date the officer's or employee's service or employment with TFC ceased.

12. Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Respondent represents and warrants that it is not engaged in business with Iran, Sudan, or a foreign terrorist organization, as prohibited by Section 2252.152 of the Texas Government Code.

13. Human Trafficking Prohibition: Under Section 2155.0061 of the Texas Government Code, the Respondent certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Response or contract is not ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that this contract may be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.

14. Prior Disaster Relief Contract Violation: Sections 2155.006 and 2261.053 of the Texas Government Code, prohibit state agencies from accepting a Response or awarding a contract that includes proposed financial participation by a person who, in the past five years, has been convicted of violating a federal law or assessed a penalty in connection with a contract involving relief for Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Katrina, or any other disaster, as defined by Section 418.004 of the Texas Government Code, occurring after September 24, 2005. Under Sections 2155.006 and 2261.053 of the Texas Government Code, Respondent certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Response or contract is not ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that this contract may be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.

15. Fraud, Waste, or Abuse: Respondent understands that TFC does not tolerate any type of fraud. The agencies' policy is to promote consistent, legal, and ethical organizational behavior by assigning responsibilities and providing guidelines to enforce controls. Violations of law, agency policies, or standards of ethical conduct will be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken. All employees or contractors who suspect fraud, waste or abuse (including employee misconduct that would constitute fraud, waste, or abuse) are required to immediately report the questionable activity to both the TFC Office of Internal Audit at 1-512-463-1069 and the State Auditor's Office at 1-800-TX-AUDIT(892-8438).

16. Deceptive Trade Practices: Unfair Business Practices: Respondent represents and warrants that it has not been the subject of allegations of Deceptive Trade Practices violations under Tex. Bus. & Com. Code, Chapter 17, or allegations of any unfair business practice in any administrative hearing or court suit and that Respondent has not been found to be liable for such practices in such proceedings. Respondent certifies that it has no officers who have served as officers of other entities who have been the subject of allegations of Deceptive Trade Practices violations or allegations of any unfair business practices in an administrative hearing or court suit and that such officers have not been found to be liable for such practices in such proceedings.

17. Public Information Act: Respondent understands that Agency will comply with…