HHS0016834v2 Exhibit C Exceptions.pdf

This is an Exceptions document for RFP HHS0016834v2 issued by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Health and Specialty Care System Division, for fire alarm system upgrades at the Austin State Supported Living Center in Austin, Texas. The project scope includes installation of new NFPA 72-compliant fire alarm systems in Buildings 533 and 732, including addressable fire alarm control units, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, horn/strobes, heat detectors, manual pull stations, and underground fiber optic lines for signal transmission to the main security building. The contractor must submit detailed shop drawings, riser diagrams, graphical sequence of operations matrices, and as-built drawings upon completion, with all work coordinated to maintain building operations during nights and weekends. Critical deadlines include mandatory pre-proposal webinars on April 17 and April 22, 2026 (attendance required or respondents face disqualification), an optional site visit on April 24, 2026, a written questions deadline of April 28, 2026, and proposal submission by May 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Central Time. The anticipated notice of award is June 8, 2026, with a contract start date of June 22, 2026.

Qualified respondents must have been in business for a minimum of five years, provide surety bonding capacity, submit three comparable project references, demonstrate financial stability, and be authorized to do business in Texas. A field project manager with minimum NICET Level III certification in fire alarm systems and a designer with NICET Level III certification or equivalent professional fire protection engineer credentials must be assigned. The project estimate is approximately $280,000.00, and respondents must submit a security bond equal to 5 percent of the largest possible total proposed cost. Evaluation criteria weight relevant construction experience at 30 percent, quality and safety programs at 5 percent, proposed methodology at 25 percent, and pricing at 40 percent. The contract will be awarded on a fixed-price basis to the respondent offering the best value under Texas law and the Texas Uniform General Conditions for Construction Contracts. All equipment must be new and Underwriters Laboratories-listed, with the fire alarm system required to be non-proprietary to ensure component availability from multiple sources. The RFP documents indicate no set-asides, incumbent vendors, or current contractor restrictions, making the opportunity open to qualified general contractors meeting baseline requirements.