A/E RFQ - Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital & Educational Outreach Center

The Texas A&M University System Office of Facilities Planning & Construction is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital & Educational Outreach Center project located in Galveston County, Texas. The procurement seeks experienced Architect/Engineer (A/E) firms to design an 11,700 gross square foot facility that will support the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research. The facility will be capable of treating up to 30 turtles across two clinical wards and will include public outreach features such as an entry lounge and viewing gallery. Qualifications must be uploaded to e-Builder by 2:00 pm Central Time on August 12, 2025, with the potential for the owner to select three or more top qualified respondents for interviews. Key objectives include enhancing research, conservation, and public education, with over 85% of the facility dedicated to clinical use. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on firm experience, technical capabilities, project understanding, and proposed approach to the sea turtle rehabilitation center design.

The RFQ does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The total project planning amount is $17,000,000, with $12,750,000 available for the construction contract, and the remaining funds allocated for fees, furnishings, miscellaneous expenses, and contingencies. Interested firms must access RFQ documents through a specific e-Builder link and follow registration instructions, with all addendums to be posted within the e-Builder site. The contact for questions is Justin Lorance from The Texas A&M University System Office of Facilities Planning & Construction. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the project represents a significant opportunity for architectural and engineering firms specializing in research facility design, particularly those with experience in veterinary or marine research environments. The project's focus on sea turtle rehabilitation and public education suggests a complex design challenge that will require specialized knowledge in both clinical animal care facilities and educational outreach spaces.