ESBD_527431_1781541370548_RFQ_CAM_CP2001485_26PSS002_GroundwaterStudy.pdf
PDF 2 MB Posted
- Attached to
- Groundwater Study
- Solicitation number
- 26PSS002
- Issued by
- Travis County, Austin City, Texas
About this file
This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued by The University of Texas at Austin, through Campus Operations and Planning, for the selection of an Architect/Engineer firm to provide professional services for a Campus Geological and Hydrogeological Study (CAM CP2001485). The project seeks to characterize geology and hydrogeology beneath UT Austin's Main Campus, consolidate existing subsurface data into a web-based GIS geodatabase, develop predesign processes to identify problematic subsurface conditions, and evaluate alternative beneficial uses for groundwater. The study addresses historical challenges including groundwater intrusion in the North End Zone building, Mulva Hall, and utility tunnel infrastructure, with objectives to mitigate development constraints and identify remediation strategies. The qualifications submission deadline is July 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time via UT Box, with a pre-submittal conference scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The project planning schedule indicates short-listed firms will be notified approximately August 5, 2026, with interviews scheduled August 10-14, 2026, contract award anticipated September 21, 2026, and services commencing approximately October 20, 2026. The RFQ is a two-step selection process, with top-ranked respondents advancing to interviews before final selection of the most qualified firm.
Pricing information is not included in the qualifications submission; fees, pricing, and compensation details are explicitly prohibited from the statement of qualifications and will be addressed during the proposal phase following selection. The RFQ requires a Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB) Subcontracting Plan as a mandatory submittal element, as subcontracting opportunities are probable for this project valued at or above $100,000. Respondents must comply with multiple Texas state requirements including franchise tax certification, workers' compensation insurance, child support delinquency verification, and certification under Executive Order GA-48 regarding foreign adversaries. The professional liability insurance minimum requirement is $500,000 each claim and $500,000 aggregate. The qualifications submission is limited to 50 printable pages (excluding cover, table of contents, VetHUB plan, and execution of offer) and must be submitted as a searchable PDF via designated UT Box links. The evaluation will be based on respondent qualifications, project team ability, past performance on representative and higher education projects, planning capabilities, knowledge of best practices, and ability to identify and resolve problems, with no reimbursement provided for participation costs.
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REV 03-11-26 EMS/SCN PAGE 1 OF 25
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
The University of Texas at Austin – Campus Operations and Planning
Campus Geological and Hydrogeological Study
CAM CP2001485
RFQ No.: 26PSS002
ISSUE DATE: 6/15/2026
DUE DATE: 7/17/2026, 2:00 PM CST
Prepared By:
Trina Bickford, Assistant Director, Contracts
The University of Texas at Austin – Campus Operations and Planning 1301 East Dean Keeton, FC1
Austin, TX 78722 512-475-8452
Trina.bickford@austin.utexas.edu mailto:Trina.bickford@austin.utexas.edu
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 - General Information and Requirements
1.1 General Information
1.2 Public Information
1.3 Type of Contract
1.4 Clarifications and Interpretations
1.5 Submission of Qualifications
1.6 Point-Of-Contact
1.7 Evaluation of Qualifications
1.8 Owner’s Reservation of Rights
1.9 Acceptance of Evaluation Methodology
1.10 No Reimbursement for Costs
1.11 Pre-Submittal Conference
1.12 Eligible Respondents
1.13 Veteran Heroes United in Businesses
(VetHUB) Submittal Requirements
1.14 (Not Used)
1.15 Sales and Use Taxes
1.16 Certification of Franchise Tax Status
1.17 Required Notices of Workers’
Compensation Insurance Coverage
1.18 Not Used
1.19 Delinquency in Paying Child Support
1.20 State Registration of Architecture Firms
1.21 State Registration of Engineering Firms
1.22 Disclosure of Interested Parties Statute
1.23 Policy Regarding Receiving Benefits, Gifts and Honoraria
1.24 Certification Required by Texas
Governor Executive Order GA-48
Section 2 - Executive Summary
2.1 Historical Background
2.2 Mission Statement
2.3 Project Description, Scope and Budget
2.4 Facilities Program
2.5 Project Planning Schedule
2.6 Not Used
Section 3 - Requirements for Statement of Qualifications
3.1 Respondent’s Statement of
Qualifications and Availability to Undertake the Project
3.2 Project Team’s Ability to Provide
Services
3.3 Performance on Past Representative
Projects
3.4 Past Performance on U.T.
System/Component Institutions’ Projects or Other Major Institutions of Higher Education Projects
3.5 Respondent’s Planning Capabilities
3.6 Respondent’s Knowledge of Best
Practices
3.7 Respondent’s Ability to Identify and
Resolve Problems
Section 4 – Execution of Offer and Acknowledgement of Addenda
Section 5 - Format for Statement of Qualifications
5.1 General Instructions
5.2 Page Size, Orientation and Bookmarks
5.3 Table of Contents
5.4 Pagination
Section 6 - Attachments to the RFQ
6.1 Agreement Between the Board of
Regents, The University of Texas System, Owner, and Project Professional Services Provider with Exhibits
6.2 VetHUB Subcontracting Plan Exhibit
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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
The University of Texas at Austin Campus Geological and Hydrogeological Study
CAM CP2001485
RFQ No.: 26PSS002
SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS
1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION: The University of Texas System (UT System) and The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) (collectively, Owner), through Campus Operations and Planning (COP), is soliciting statements of qualifications (Qualifications) for selection of an Architect/Engineer firm for the CAM CP2001485 Campus Geological and Hydrogeological Study (Project), in accordance with the terms, conditions, and requirements set forth in this Request for Qualifications.
1.1.1 This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is the first step in a two-step process for selecting an
Architect/Engineer firm (Respondent). The RFQ provides the information necessary to prepare and submit Qualifications for consideration and initial ranking by the Owner. Based on the initial ranking, the Owner may select top ranked qualified respondents to attend interviews in the final step of the process.
1.1.2 In the final step of the process, interviews, the “most” qualified Respondent(s) may be requested to attend an interview with the Owner to confirm the Qualification submittal and answer additional questions. The Owner will then rank the remaining respondents in order to determine a “most” qualified respondent.
1.2 PUBLIC INFORMATION: All information, documentation, and other materials submitted in response to this solicitation are considered non-confidential and/or non-proprietary and are subject to public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.001, et seq.) after the solicitation is completed.
1.2.1 The Owner strictly complies with all statutes, court decisions, and opinions of the Texas
Attorney General with respect to disclosure of RFQ information.
1.3 TYPE OF CONTRACT: Any contract resulting from this solicitation will be in the form of the
Standard Agreement between The Board of Regents, University of Texas System and Project Professional Services Provider for a Project of Limited Size or Scope, a copy of which is attached to this RFQ.
1.4 CLARIFICATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS: Any clarifications or interpretations of this RFQ that materially affect or change its requirements will be posted by the Owner as an addendum on the Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) web site (https://construction.utexas.edu/minor-project-solicitations). Respondents are responsible for obtaining this information in a timely manner. All such addenda issued by the Owner before the responses are due are a part of the RFQ, and Respondents shall acknowledge receipt of and incorporate each addendum in its Qualifications in their response.
1.4.1 Respondents shall consider only those clarifications and interpretations that the Owner issues by addenda prior to the submittal deadline. Interpretations or clarifications in any other form, including oral statements, will not be binding on the Owner and should not be relied on in preparing Qualifications.
https://construction.utexas.edu/minor-project-solicitations https://construction.utexas.edu/minor-project-solicitations
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1.5 SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS:
1.5.1 DEADLINE AND LOCATION: The Owner will only accept submissions as Qualifications with Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB) Subcontracting Plans (SP) as two separate submissions until 7/17/2026 at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time via UT Box.
Please limit each electronic file size to 15 GB per file using the following naming protocol.
Submittal #1: Qualifications and Execution of Offer must be submitted as two separate .pdf documents using the following link:
https://utexas.app.box.com/f/59c5f9fc22324e43ba981d7d22ad3856 using the following naming convention:
Respondent’s name, document name (Qualifications or EOO), 26PSS002
Submittal #2: VetHUB SP, submitted as a single .pdf document using the following link:
https://utexas.app.box.com/f/c3220f0d4d844327b94ece278a9c8ce0 using the following naming convention:
Respondent’s name, VetHUB SP, 26PSS002
Respondents are solely responsible for submitting complete responses prior to the deadline for submission. Owner encourages early submission in case technical difficulties occur – responses will not be accepted by any method other than UT Box.
1.5.2 During this procurement process, Owner shall not be held responsible for all possible contingencies. In the event the Respondent experiences any issues with its submission, Owner reserves the right to proceed with the selection process.
1.5.3 Responses not received complete by the deadline will not be acknowledged or accepted by the
Owner.
1.5.4 The Owner will not acknowledge or receive Qualifications or VetHUB SP that are delivered by delivery service, parcel service, U.S. mail, telephone, facsimile (fax), electronic mail (e-mail) or any other drop box service.
1.6 POINT-OF-CONTACT: The Owner designates the following person as its representative and
Point-of-Contact for this RFQ. Respondents shall restrict all contact with the Owner and direct all questions regarding this RFQ, including questions regarding terms and conditions and technical specifications, to the Point-of-Contact person.
Trina Bickford, Assistant Director, Contracts The University of Texas at Austin Campus Operations and Planning 1301 East Dean Keeton, FC1 Phone: 512-475-8452 e-mail: trina.bickford@austin.utexas.edu
Please restrict communications to email.
https://utexas.app.box.com/f/59c5f9fc22324e43ba981d7d22ad3856 https://utexas.app.box.com/f/c3220f0d4d844327b94ece278a9c8ce0 mailto:trina.bickford@austin.utexas.edu
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1.7 EVALUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS: The evaluation of the Qualifications shall be based on the requirements described in this RFQ. All properly submitted Qualifications will be reviewed, evaluated, and ranked by the Owner. The top ranked respondents may be selected by the Owner to participate in interviews.
1.7.1 Qualifications shall not include any information regarding Respondent’s fees, pricing, or other compensation.
1.8 OWNER’S RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: The Owner may evaluate the Qualifications based on the anticipated completion of all or any portion of the Project. The Owner reserves the right to divide the Project into multiple parts, to reject any and all Qualifications and re-solicit for new Qualifications, or to reject any and all proposals and temporarily or permanently abandon the Project. Owner makes no representations, written or oral, that it will enter into any form of agreement with any respondent to this RFQ for any project and no such representation is intended or should be construed by the issuance of this RFQ.
1.9 ACCEPTANCE OF EVALUATION METHODOLOGY: By submitting its Qualifications in response to this RFQ, Respondent accepts the evaluation process and acknowledges and accepts that determination of the “most qualified” firm(s) will require subjective judgments by the Owner.
1.10 NO REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS: Respondent acknowledges and accepts that any costs incurred from the respondent’s participation in this RFQ shall be at the sole risk and responsibility of the Respondent.
1.11 PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE: A virtual pre-submittal conference will be held at the time and location described below:
6/22/2026 at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://utexas.zoom.us/j/82332516208
Meeting ID: 823 3251 6208
One tap mobile +13462487799,,82332516208# US (Houston)
+16694449171,,82332516208# US
1.11.1 Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is optional but recommended. Potential
Respondents will have the opportunity to submit questions, and an addendum will be posted, including the questions and responses, for all interested parties.
1.12 ELIGIBLE RESPONDENTS: Only individual firms or lawfully formed business organizations may apply (this does not preclude a Respondent from using consultants). The Owner will contract only with the individual firm or formal organization that submits a Qualification.
1.13 VETERAN HEROES UNITED IN BUSINESS (VetHUB) SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: The
University of Texas System’s, and each of its component institutions, policy is to promote and encourage contracting and subcontracting opportunities for VetHUBs in all contracts in compliance with the Texas Administrative Code rules for the VetHUB Program. Accordingly, Owner has adopted the Texas Administrative Code Subcontracts Rule. The Policy applies to all contracts with https://utexas.zoom.us/j/82332516208
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an expected value of $100,000 or more. If Owner determines that subcontracting opportunities are probable, then a VetHUB Subcontracting Plan is a required element of the Qualifications.
1.13.1 STATEMENT OF PROBABILITY: The University of Texas at Austin Vendor Management
Office (VMO), has determined that subcontracting opportunities are probable in connection with this procurement solicitation. Therefore, a VetHUB Subcontracting Plan (SP) is required as a part of the Respondent's Qualifications and failing to submit a VetHUB SP will result in rejection of the Respondent’s submitted Qualifications. The Respondent shall develop, submit and administer a VetHUB SP as a part of the Respondent's Qualifications as indicated herein.
1.13.2 Refer to Section 5, the VetHUB SP Exhibit and other requirements in this RFQ for a detailed list of attachments required with the Qualifications.
1.13.3 The “Statement of Probability” determines the probability for subcontracting opportunities.
This determination will clarify which attachment are required to be completed and returned.
1.14 (Not Used)
1.15 SALES AND USE TAXES: Section 151.311, Texas Tax Code, as amended effective October 1, 1993, permits the purchase free of state sales and use taxes of tangible personal property to be incorporated into realty in the performance of a contract for an improvement to realty for certain exempt entities that include The University of Texas System. The section further permits the purchase tax-free of tangible personal property (other than machinery or equipment and its accessories and repair and replacement parts) for use in the performance of such a contract if the property is "necessary and essential for the performance of the contract" and "completely consumed at the job site." In addition, the section permits the purchase tax-free of a tangible service for use in the performance of such a contract if the service is performed at the job site and if "the contract expressly requires the specific service to be provided or purchased by the person performing the contract" or "the service is integral to the performance of the contract."
1.16 CERTIFICATION OF FRANCHISE TAX STATUS: Respondents are advised that the successful respondent will be required to submit certification of franchise tax status as required by State Law (H.B. 175, Acts 70th Leg. R.S., 1987, Ch. 283, p. 3242). The awarded Respondent agrees that each subcontractor and supplier under contract will also provide a certification of franchise tax status.
1.17 REQUIRED NOTICES OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE COVERAGE: The
Texas Workers' Compensation Commission has adopted a new rule, 28 TAC, sec. 110.110, relating to REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING OR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS FOR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES. The rule applies to all building or construction contracts advertised for bid on or after September 1, 1994. The rule implements sec. 406.096, Texas Labor Code, which requires workers' compensation insurance coverage for all persons providing services on a building or construction project for a governmental entity. The requirements of the rule are set forth in Article 6 of the Uniform General and Supplementary General Conditions for University of Texas System Building Construction Contracts.
1.18 (Not Used)
1.19 DELINQUENCY IN PAYING CHILD SUPPORT: Under Section 231.006, Texas Family Code, the vendor or applicant certifies that the individual or business entity named in this contract, bid, or application is not ineligible to receive the specified grant, loan, or payment and acknowledges that this contract may be terminated and payment may be withheld if this certification is inaccurate.
REV 03-11-26 EMS/SCN PAGE 7 OF 25
1.20 STATE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS: Respondents are advised that the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners requires that any firm or business entity providing architectural services to the public, other than a sole proprietor doing business under his/her name, must annually register information regarding the firm or business entity with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, Austin, Texas, has jurisdiction over individuals licensed under the Architects’ Registration Law, Chapter 1051, Texas Occupations Code.
1.21 STATE REGISTRATION OF ENGINEERING FIRMS: Respondents are advised that the Texas
Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) requires that any entity providing engineering services to the public must register with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. An entity is defined as a sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, corporation or joint stock association.
1.22 DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTED PARTIES STATUTE. In its submission, Respondents must agree to comply with Section 2252.908, Texas Government Code (“Disclosure of Interested Parties Statute”) and 1 Texas Administration Code Sections 46.1 through 46.3 (“Disclosure of Interested Parties Regulations”) as implemented by the Texas Ethics Commission (“TEC”), including, among other things, providing the TEC and University with the information required by the Disclosure of Interested Parties Statute and the Disclosure of Interested Parties Regulations on the form promulgated by the TEC. The form will be required to be submitted to Owner prior to the countersigning of the final agreement and not submitted with this RFQ.
1.23 POLICY REGARDING RECEIVING BENEFITS, GIFTS AND HONORARIA: This administrative policy defines, and in most cases restricts, the benefits, gifts, honoraria and other entertainment activities all staff may be exposed to, and supplements any provisions of state law, UT System rule or policy and/or UT Austin rule or policy that is less restrictive. The policy covers “Conflicts of Interest” not allowed and items typically allowed.
All Respondents must review the policy, posted at https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=004207890472714924813:srwkb2taotg&q=https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/default/files/ documents/publication/2018/ut-system-administration-standards-conduct-guide/standards-conduct-guide-2018- 12.pdf&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiPnJ2r6oGVAxWJnCYFHZRhJxoQFnoECAkQAg&usg=AOvVa w0XGszM6MmQwME67kctcH80&fexp=121691578,121695402,121691579, and endeavor to use appropriate judgment related to the requirements and actions defined in the policy, during both the procurement phase and the contracting phase.
1.24 CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY TEXAS GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER GA-48:
Pursuant to Executive Order GA-48 of the Governor of Texas effective November 19, 2024, Contractor certifies that it and, if applicable, any of its holding companies or subsidiaries, is not:
a. Listed in Section 889 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA); or
b. Listed in Section 1260H of the 2021 NDAA; or
c. Owned by the government of a country on the U.S. Department of Commerce's foreign adversaries list under 15 C.F.R. § 791.4; or
d. Controlled by any governing or regulatory body located in a country on the U.S.
Department of Commerce's foreign adversaries list under 15 C.F.R. § 791.4.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2252.htm#2252.908 https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/rules/adopted_Nov_2015.html#Ch46.1 https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=004207890472714924813:srwkb2taotg&q=https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/default/files/documents/publication/2018/ut-system-administration-standards-conduct-guide/standards-conduct-guide-2018-12.pdf&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiPnJ2r6oGVAxWJnCYFHZRhJxoQFnoECAkQAg&usg=AOvVaw0XGszM6MmQwME67kctcH80&fexp=121691578,121695402,121691579 https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=004207890472714924813:srwkb2taotg&q=https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/default/files/documents/publication/2018/ut-system-administration-standards-conduct-guide/standards-conduct-guide-2018-12.pdf&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiPnJ2r6oGVAxWJnCYFHZRhJxoQFnoECAkQAg&usg=AOvVaw0XGszM6MmQwME67kctcH80&fexp=121691578,121695402,121691579 https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=004207890472714924813:srwkb2taotg&q=https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/default/files/documents/publication/2018/ut-system-administration-standards-conduct-guide/standards-conduct-guide-2018-12.pdf&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiPnJ2r6oGVAxWJnCYFHZRhJxoQFnoECAkQAg&usg=AOvVaw0XGszM6MmQwME67kctcH80&fexp=121691578,121695402,121691579 https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=004207890472714924813:srwkb2taotg&q=https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/default/files/documents/publication/2018/ut-system-administration-standards-conduct-guide/standards-conduct-guide-2018-12.pdf&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiPnJ2r6oGVAxWJnCYFHZRhJxoQFnoECAkQAg&usg=AOvVaw0XGszM6MmQwME67kctcH80&fexp=121691578,121695402,121691579 https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=004207890472714924813:srwkb2taotg&q=https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/default/files/documents/publication/2018/ut-system-administration-standards-conduct-guide/standards-conduct-guide-2018-12.pdf&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiPnJ2r6oGVAxWJnCYFHZRhJxoQFnoECAkQAg&usg=AOvVaw0XGszM6MmQwME67kctcH80&fexp=121691578,121695402,121691579 https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=004207890472714924813:srwkb2taotg&q=https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/default/files/documents/publication/2018/ut-system-administration-standards-conduct-guide/standards-conduct-guide-2018-12.pdf&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiPnJ2r6oGVAxWJnCYFHZRhJxoQFnoECAkQAg&usg=AOvVaw0XGszM6MmQwME67kctcH80&fexp=121691578,121695402,121691579 https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgov.texas.gov%2Fuploads%2Ffiles%2Fpress%2FEO-GA-48_Hardening_State_Government_FINAL_11-19-2024.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cccarson%40utsystem.edu%7C33aa21b9aa584d147fee08dd6e081080%7C61399d5f249c44d0b271adc287f323ff%7C0%7C0%7C638787703102029143%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ikJm9WPw7ycdySdA7vwLM5soL%2BE5evz4spqIKUx26k8%3D&reserved=0
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[NOTE: Executive Order GA 48 states that a public institution of higher education cannot enter into a new contract, contract extension, or contract renewal for a good or service with any company that meets any of the above-listed criteria. However, if the public institution of higher education can sufficiently demonstrate that (a) the good or service is necessary for the institution of higher education to fulfill a core function that directly benefits Texans and (b) the good or service can only be provided by an entity that meets one of the above-listed criteria, then the public institution of higher education may enter into a new contract, contract renewal, or contract extension with such an entity for no more than one year from November 19, 2024, and never thereafter.]
SECTION 2 – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The University of Texas at Austin, established September 15, 1883, is the flagship public research institution of the University of Texas System and with a staff of approximately 23,000 full time and part time employees and approximately 3,000 faculty members, supports more than 53,000 students through 19 top-ranked colleges and schools, and 74 departments. The mission of UT Austin is to achieve excellence in the interrelated areas of undergraduate education, graduate education, research, and public service. UT Austin provides superior and comprehensive education opportunities at the baccalaureate through doctoral and special professional levels. UT Austin contributes to the advancement of society through research, creative activity, scholarly inquiry and the development of new knowledge. UT Austin preserves and promotes the arts, benefits the state’s economy, serves the citizens through public programs and provides other public services.
UT Austin has over 20 million gross square feet of floor space in buildings located on the main research and teaching campus, remote research campuses and several additional specialized sites.
COP (which includes PDC, Facilities Services, Ground and Landscape, Operations Safety and Compliance, Operations Support, Sustainability and Utilities and Energy Management) constructs, maintains, renovates, and revives UT Austin facilities and keeps safe the spaces and infrastructure in a manner that supports the educational, research, and public service goals of UT Austin and for the students, faculty, and staff to learn, teach, conduct research and work. COP is dedicated to creating a world-class experience for our community to ensure UT Austin succeeds in its vision to be the highest-impact public university.
UT Austin’s facilities include the Main Campus covering approximately 431 acres. A lack of geological and hydrogeological data beneath the campus has presented challenges to development.
Infrastructure often is placed and built in areas where the presence and quantity of groundwater or other conditions is unknown prior to design and development. When discovery occurs during construction, remediation/mitigation efforts add new scopes and costs to project budgets. For example, during the recent excavation of the site for the future Mulva Hall, a large source of groundwater was discovered and found to be draining approximately 15,000 gallons of water a day into the site. This condition was unknown during planning and design and now must be remediated and diverted away from the site.
In some instances, discovery occurs after construction, forcing the need for post-project remediation. Recent examples include recurring instances of suspected groundwater intrusion into the basement levels of the North End Zone (NEZ) building following heavy rains/saturated soil events, and repeated intrusions into the Main Campus utility tunnel infrastructure.
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Infiltration remediation often involves use of sump pump technology in buildings and infrastructure to move water away from the infrastructure and direct the flow into Waller Creek. Although this helps to minimize the water flow to reduce damaging buildings and infrastructure, the potential of this non-potable water is not fully utilized (e.g., irrigation and cooling towers). The initial phase of this project will help inform the understanding of the subsurface, identify current and future risks of groundwater to the campus buildings and infrastructure, and will lead to identifying beneficial reuse solutions to the existing challenges.
2.2 MISSION STATEMENT/STUDY OBJECTIVES:
UT Austin is an intellectual community whose primary missions are pedagogy, research and aesthetic creativity, as well as academic freedom in their pursuit.
UT Austin’s symbolic landscape should be created, curated, managed and reimagined so as to best represent these primary missions as well as UT Austin’s principles and its aspirations for the future caring intellectual community dedicated to public service. The campus environment supports UT Austin’s missions, and the landscapes and architectural elements are intended to reflect UT Austin’s values through thoughtful design, durability and long-term performance.
This comprehensive study will:
• Characterize geology and hydrogeology beneath UT Austin’s Main Campus, recognizing that the local geology directly influences the volume and flow of groundwater.
• Obtain and compile existing subsurface geological and hydrogeological data across UT Austin Main Campus.
• Develop web-based GIS geodatabase (which will be owned and maintained by UT Austin upon delivery) to facilitate ready access to compiled subsurface data.
• Develop predesign processes to identify problematic subsurface conditions and recommend remediation strategies to mitigate development constraints.
• Identify and evaluate alternative beneficial uses for groundwater.
• Analyze impacts of construction and infrastructure due to groundwater
The objectives of the initial phase include:
• Consolidation of geologic and hydrogeologic related data from existing geotechnical reports, construction reports and other available documentation and data, into a searchable, centralized database.
• Gelocate and map known geological and hydrogeologic features and characteristics across the Main Campus.
• Coordinate with UT Austin stakeholders in PDC, Utilities and Energy Management (UEM), Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), the Jackson School of Geosciences and Campus Geospatial Assets to provide tools and documentation that may be accessed and updated as new projects are completed.
• Assess the potential impact of geologic and hydrogeologic conditions in areas suspected of having existing intrusion issues and on known UT Austin Main Campus future development sites, then provide recommendations for remediation, avoidance and/or study that may benefit UT Austin’s development goals.
2.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION, SCOPE AND BUDGET:
Owner requires a comprehensive review and study of geological and hydrogeological conditions beneath UT Austin Main Campus, assessing the subsurface conditions based on historical
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data/observations. The selected firm must evaluate potential impacts on existing and future building and infrastructure development, recommend predesign strategies to facilitate construction and explore options for mitigation of identified issues.
2.4 OWNER’S PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:
Required services are anticipated to include, but are not limited to:
• Data identification, collection and extraction o Identifying published geologic and hydrogeologic references and resources for maps (e.g., geology unit maps, topographic maps, etc.), mapped features (e.g., faults, water bodies, monitoring, water wells, etc.)
Acquire GIS shapefiles where available.
If GIS shapefiles are unavailable, extract data for feature creation and loading into the geodatabase deliverable.
o Collection from UT Austin and other available sources of existing geologic and hydrogeologic data from historical geotechnical reports; construction reports;
utility, drainage and infrastructure data/maps and other documentation related to UT Austin capital development projects.
Extract geologic and hydrogeologic-related data from the documentation, inclusive of, but not limited to:
• Boring and well locations
• Elevations and depths
• Observation details
• Lithological and depth to bedrock observations
• Groundwater observations
• Fractures encountered
• Soil data
• Dewatering data
• Groundwater geochemical and hydrologic parameters ( local or regional)
• Reported groundwater contaminant data
• Other relevant data/metadata
Tabulate extracted data and observations into a table for loading into the proposed geodatabase.
o Review history and data associated with recent suspected groundwater intrusion events at the following UT Austin Main Campus sites:
NEZ
Mulva Hall AT&T Conference Center (ATT)/Reese M. Rowling Hall (RRH) Norm Hackerman Building (NHB) Texas Swim Center (TSC) Site of the Red River Street realignment Welch Hall (WCH) Dobie Twenty21 resident building (D21) Utility tunnel infiltration as identified in the concurrently running UT
Tunnel Assessment o Gather information related to new and potential upcoming future capital development projects at UT Austin Main Campus.
• On-site Evaluation o Visit current construction sites and other sites with known groundwater or surface water impacts (as indicated above) to inspect available geology, evidence of faulting/fractures, water seepage and other observable features.
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o Site walks on or around Main Campus to observe exposed geologic formations (e.g., Waller Creek) for lithology, faults, fractures, springs, seepage, etc.
o Coordinate with the Jackson School of Geosciences or other UT Austin departments studying groundwater or surface water (e.g., Waller Creek)
• Data analysis and structuring o Analyze existing geological and hydrogeological data from available geotechnical reports, construction reports and observations, relevant reference materials and site visits in order to gain a better understanding of subsurface conditions that influence the flow and movement of groundwater which may affect future development projects.
o Evaluate groundwater data related to existing, planned and potential building sites and utility infrastructure development, analyze development impacts and identify additional cost-effective data collection and analysis opportunities beneficial to reducing or mitigating infiltration and further support development on and around these sites.
• Reporting o Based on existing data collected and observations, prepare a detailed GIS-based geodatabase and map for the Main Campus that:
Centralizes known geologic and hydrologic data related to UT Austin
Main Campus in a way that is easily accessible and informative to discovery and potential future development.
Overlays of mapped and observed geological and hydrogeological data with existing, planned and potential building sites as well as utility and storm sewer infrastructure.
Utilizes GIS-based visualizations meeting accessibility and formatting requirements of UT Austin Campus Geospatial Assets and directly editable and expandable by UT Austin.
o Must include but is not limited to:
Geologic and hydrogeologic observations from existing reports of geologic formations, features, faults/fractures and subsurface conditions that inform on groundwater flow (including direction and gradients) and other conditions on UT Austin Main Campus that may affect future development projects.
Groundwater observations from existing geotechnical or construction reports (if encountered).
Selected current buildings (with subsurface elevations), tunnels and subsurface utility systems (water lines, sewer lines, electrical conduits, sumps and storm sewers) that can act as either a source of recharge or as a conduit for flow of groundwater.
Monitoring wells, water wells and/or observation wells, noting which monitoring wells are active, capped or that can be repurposed from old construction projects.
Areas of know groundwater issues.
Photos and data from previous construction projects (such as Mulva Hall).
Link to access historical source report in .pdf format.
o Geological and hydrogeological conditions report that summarizes findings and observations, inclusive of data gaps and constraints, and recommends additional data collection, analysis and study options to information capital development at UT Austin’s Main Campus.
o Summary report documenting historical reports, resources and references reviewed and included in the geodatabase and report database.
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o Searchable historical report database and catalog of historical UT Austin Main Campus reports.
Create a document library in a format acceptable to Owner such as
Sharepoint, with mapping capabilities for storage and cataloging of existing and future reports, and other information sources from UT Austin Main Campus.
Catalog will include report attributes such as investigation date, building abbreviation location, latitude and longitude, and notes.
o Database/map access guide that provides relevant information needed to maintain and update the centralized report database and GIS-based geodatabase on an ongoing basis.
Develop guidelines and processes for coordinating with UT GIS for incorporation of new data from ongoing and future capital development projects or other sources.
o Report summarizing existing suspected groundwater infiltration issues as indicated above and any recommendations related to mitigation and/or avoidance of groundwater intrusion at those sites and in surrounding areas. Report must identify and analyze zone areas where conditions, recommendations, and/or priorities could be similar, and classify them according to the critical risk.
o Create guidelines or requirements for a predesign study for future development projects. Developing the predesign report will include but is not limited to the following:
Evaluation and summary of existing geologic and hydrogeologic data in the geodatabase related to the planned and potential building site or utility infrastructure development.
Identify potential development risks and impacts based on available data.
Recommendations for additional cost-effective data collection and analysis opportunities (e.g., geotechnical or environmental) that may be beneficial to further support the development.
Based on outcome of the initial scope of services, potential for a future phase exists and is anticipated to include:
• Identify additional projects with historical geotechnical, construction or other reports and data to fill data gaps at the UT Austin Main Campus.
• Additional data collection to fill geologic or hydrogeologic data gaps and establish conceptual site model:
o Installation of piezometers, monitoring wells o Installation of monitoring tools (e.g., in-well, downhole transducers) to map the shallow groundwater bearing zone water table, influence of storm/precipitation events.
o Slug and/or pumping tests o Advance soil borings for lithological data or fracture identification.
• Surface and/or subsurface/downhole geophysical investigations o Fracture mapping o Traditional geophysics o Advanced geophysics such as nuclear magnetic resonance
• Water source testing (stable isotope tracer analysis)
• Conceptual site model development
• Subsurface 3-D visualizations
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2.5 PROJECT PLANNING SCHEDULE: Key Project planning schedule milestones are:
Owner issues Request for Qualifications 6/15/2026 Owner conducts Pre-Submittal Conference 6/22/2026 at 2:00 PM CST Deadline for questions/requests for clarification 7/2/2026 at 12:00 PM CST Deadline for submission of Qualifications 7/17/2026 at 2:00 PM CST Short listed firms notified (approx.) 8/5/2026 Owner interviews Respondents (approx.) 8/10/2026 thru 8/14/2026 Selection of most qualified Respondent (approx.) 8/14/2026 Request for Proposal issued to selected Respondent (approx.) 8/19/2026 Negotiations (approx.) 9/3/2026 thru 9/17/2026 Award of contract to selected Respondent (approx.) 9/21/2026 Start date for services (approx.) 10/20/2026
2.6 (Not Used)
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SECTION 3 – REQUIREMENTS FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
Respondents shall carefully read the information contained in the following criteria and submit a complete statement of Qualifications to all questions in Section 3 formatted as directed in Section 5. Incomplete Qualifications will be considered non-responsive and subject to rejection.
Qualifications must present Respondent’s qualifications and understanding of the required services.
Respondents must address all requirements and provide specific information requested for each evaluation criteria. Qualifications must be concise but thorough, and detailed to allow proper evaluation of Respondent’s capabilities to provide the required services.
General Information (all information must be completed):
Provide the following information for Respondent:
Legal name of the company as registered with the State of Texas:
Address of the office proposed to provide services:
Primary point of contact (name, title, phone number, email):
Number of years in business:
Type of operation (individual, partnership, corporation, joint venture, etc.):
Annual revenue for the past ten (10) years:
Describe the Respondent’s financial stability in general and confirm willingness to provide financial statements if requested:
Is Respondent currently for sale or involved in any transaction to expand or to become acquired by another business entity? If yes, please explain the impact both in organizational and directional terms. Yes No
Provide any details of all past or pending litigation or claims filed against Respondent that would affect performance under a contract with the Owner:
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Is Respondent currently in default on any loan agreement or financing agreement with any bank, financial institution, or other entity? If yes, specify date(s), details, circumstances, and prospects for resolution. Yes No
Does any relationship exist by relative, business associate, capital funding agreement, or any other such kinship between any member of the Respondent or any sub-consultant, to any Owner employee, officer or member of the University of Texas System Board of Regents? If so, please explain.
Provide a claims history under professional malpractice insurance for the past five (5) years for the Respondent and any team members proposed to provide professional services:
3.1 CRITERION ONE: RESPONDENT’S STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS AND
AVAILABILITY TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT (Maximum points: 5) (Maximum of two (2) printed pages per subcriterion below)
3.1.1 Provide a statement of interest for the project including a narrative describing the Respondent and proposed Project Team’s unique qualifications as pertaining to this particular project.
3.1.2 Provide a statement on the availability and commitment of the Respondent and its principal(s) and assigned professionals to undertake the project.
3.1.3 Provide a brief history of the Respondent and each proposed sub-consultant proposed for the project.
3.1.4 Provide a graphic representation of the project team, identifying the Respondent and each consultant proposed for the project.
3.2 CRITERION TWO: PROJECT TEAM’S ABILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES (Maximum points:
15)
3.2.1 Describe, in graphic and written form, the proposed project assignments and lines of authority and communication for principals and key professional members of each consultant that will be involved in the project. Indicate the estimated percentage of time these individuals will be involved in the project.
3.2.2 Provide resumes giving the experience and expertise of the professional members for each consultant that will be involved in the project, including their experience with similar projects, the number of years with the firm, and their city of residence.
3.2.3 Clearly identify the members of the proposed project team who worked on the listed projects in Criteria 3.3 and 3.4 and describe their roles in those projects.
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3.2.4 Describe the basis for the selection of the proposed consultants included in the project team and the role each is proposed to play in this project.
3.2.5 Describe the Respondent’s process in working with its consultants and the Owner’s consultants and integrating them into the design process.
3.3 CRITERION THREE: PERFORMANCE ON PAST REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
(Maximum points: 30)
3.3.1 List a maximum of five (5) projects for which the Respondent has provided services that are
MOST RELATED TO THIS PROJECT within the last ten (10) years. List the projects in order of priority, with the most relevant project listed first. Provide the following information for each project listed:
Project name, location, client, and description Total Project Cost Project Timeline Describe the historical background that led to the project and how the objectives, goals, and needs of the client were defined.
Detail the scope of professional services Respondent provided for the project.
Elaborate on the methodology that was used to best determine and align the final scope of the project with the client’s objectives, goals, and needs, including how scope elements were included, excluded, and/or prioritized.
List unique project challenges and how they were addressed.
Name of Project Manager (individual responsible to the Owner for the overall success of the project) Consultants Any related project images that highlight the project’s scope and success (e.g., site conditions, mapping/GIS/database visuals, reporting deliverables, etc.)
References - for each project listed above, identify the following:
The Owner’s name and representative who served as the day-to-day liaison during the design and construction phases of the project, including telephone number and email.
Length of business relationship with the Owner.
References shall be considered relevant based on specific project participation and experience with the Respondent. The Owner may contact references during any part of this process. The Owner reserves the right to contact any other references at any time during the RFQ/P process.
3.4 CRITERION FOUR: PAST PERFORMANCE ON U.T. SYSTEM/COMPONENT
INSTITUTIONS’ PROJECTS OR OTHER MAJOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION PROJECTS (Maximum points: 10)
3.4.1 Identify and describe the Respondent’s experience on University of Texas System or its component institutions’ projects within the last ten (10) years. Projects may repeat those in Section 3.3.
If the Respondent has not previously provided services for The University of Texas System or any of its component institutions, then identify and describe the Respondent’s past performance
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on projects for “major” institutions of higher education (or similar) within the last ten (10) years. Projects at the University of Texas System or University of Texas System component institutions are preferred.
In either case above, provide the following information, as applicable, for each project listed:
Project name, location, client, and description Total Project Cost Final project size in gross square feet Project Timeline Detail the scope of the project Elaborate on what made the project a success List unique project challenges and how they were addressed Name of Project Manager (individual responsible to the Owner for the overall success of the project) Name of Project Architect (individual responsible for coordinating the day-to-day work) Name of Project Designer (individual responsible for design concepts) Name of Project Engineers Name of Project Contractor Other Consultants Any related project images that highlight the project’s scope and success
3.5 CRITERION FIVE: RESPONDENT’S PLANNING CAPABILITIES (Maximum points: 20)
3.5.1 State Respondent’s experience with site planning.
3.5.2 Describe Respondent’s planning processes and unique tools Respondent may provide to make this study successful.
3.5.3 Describe Respondent’s use of Owner involvement for making key decisions.
3.5.4 Describe Respondent’s initial perceptions of Section 2.4 Owner’s Project Requirements as it relates to addressing and informing the historical issues described in Section 2.1 and the objective described in Section 2.2. What methodologies and strategies are proposed for use to implement the scope and/or suggest refinements to make the study most successful and cost effective for the Owner?
3.6 CRITERION SIX: RESPONDENT’S KNOWLEDGE OF BEST PRACTICES (Maximum points:
10)
3.6.1 Describe the way in which Respondent develops and maintains work schedules to coordinate with the Owner’s project schedule. For any combination of three (3) projects listed in response to Criteria 3.3 and 3.4, provide examples of how these techniques were used.
3.6.2 Describe the types of records, reports, monitoring systems, databases, graphical tools, and information management systems, which your firm used in the management of the projects listed above. Describe how you used these systems for any combination of three (3) projects listed in response to Criteria 3.3 and 3.4.
3.6.3 Describe Respondent’s and project team’s demonstrated technical competence and management qualifications with institutional projects, particularly those for higher education.
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3.6.4 Describe Respondent's proposed plan for ensuring continuity of project objectives.
3.6.5 Describe Respondent’s quality assurance program explaining the method used and how the firm maintains quality control. . Provide specific examples of how these techniques or procedures were used for any combination of three (3) projects listed in response to Criteria
3.3 and 3.4.
3.6.6 This project requires familiarity with and understanding of local soil and hydrological conditions and is anticipated to require significant field work. Describe local presence for proposed project team and resources available to support on site activities. If applicable, describe Respondent’s strategy for overcoming travel or project management logistics if Respondent’s or any other project team members are not located in the Central Texas region of Texas. How will on site visits and meetings be coordinated if key personnel is not in the Central Texas region? How will virtual resources be used? How will Respondent best manage the project if there is minimal or no local presence?
3.6.7 Provide current trends regarding geological and hydrogeological analysis, study, design, best practices and construction practices Respondent utilizes. Note: design and construction are outside of this project scope; this criterion is focused on Respondent’s understanding of current trends and practices.
3.6.8 Describe the project team’s experience in sustainable design.
3.6.9 Describe the Respondent’s experience in managing and mitigating geological and hydrogeological impacts.
3.6.10 Describe the Respondent’s experience with existing or new infrastructure projects (e.g., utility distribution networks, water redistribution and/or reuse, etc.) as related to groundwater, Elaborating on how this experience with the interconnectivity between infrastructure and groundwater was involved in the projects referenced in 3.4 and 3.5, or highlighting ow this experience contributes to the Respondent’s qualifications to provide services on this project.
Has Respondent previously studied/designed infrastructure systems to mitigate groundwater?
Has Respondent mitigated groundwater impacts affecting below ground infrastructure systems?
3.6.11 Describe how Respondent tracks Owner input and review comments on submittals to confirm that comments have been addressed. Provide examples of reports/logs used for tracking response to and closure on Owner comments.
3.7 CRITERION SEVEN: RESPONDENT’S ABILITY TO IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE
PROBLEMS (Maximum points: 10)
3.7.1 What does Respondent perceive are the critical issues for this project?
3.7.2 Describe the project team’s approach to assuring timely completion of this project, including methods proposed for schedule recovery if necessary.
3.7.3 Describe Respondent’s ability and processes to create common ground between Project stakeholders with diverging interests.
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3.7.4 For any combination of three (3) projects listed in response to Criteria 3.3 and 3.4, describe how Respondent collaborated on creative solutions to cost, scope efficiencies, and schedule.
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SECTION 4 – EXECUTION OF OFFER AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ADDENDA
NOTE TO RESPONDENTS: SUBMIT ENTIRE SECTION WITH RESPONSE.
THIS EXECUTION OF OFFER MUST BE COMPLETED, SIGNED, AND RETURNED WITH THE
RESPONDENT'S QUALIFICATIONS. FAILURE TO COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS
EXECUTION OF OFFER WITH THE QUALIFICATIONS MAY…
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