Bass Concert Hall Audio System Renovations

The University of Texas at Austin is soliciting competitive sealed proposals for Bass Concert Hall Audio System Renovations through a formal Request for Proposal (RFP 721-26039) with a submission deadline of February 27, 2026, at 2:30 PM CST via the University's Bonfire procurement portal. The procurement encompasses four primary scopes of work: Bass Concert Hall audio system replacement, acoustic improvements, McCullough Theater supplemental equipment, and audio/video rental equipment and services. The project scope includes installation of comprehensive sound reinforcement systems, front-of-house and stage monitor consoles, wireless microphone and in-ear monitor systems, distributed audio zones, wireless intercom systems, and IPTV installations across multiple venues at the University of Texas at Austin located in Travis County and Austin City jurisdictions. Key deliverables include shop drawings, product data sheets, cable schedules, network schematics, custom software programming, and formal acceptance testing following a pre-commissioning systems report. The acoustic improvements involve nine distinct treatment areas utilizing 2-inch to 4-inch sound-absorbing panels, lapendary installations, and drapery adjustments designed to address echo and reverberation issues within the concert hall. Successful proposers must demonstrate relevant experience with similar projects at tier-one research institutions or comparably complex organizations within the past five years, provide minimum three client references, and identify key personnel with detailed resumes. Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: Respondents' Qualifications, Abilities, and Reputation (20%); Quality of Proposed Goods or Services (20%); Ability to Meet University's Needs (20%); Price Proposal and Long-term Cost (35%); and Staffing Resources and Past Business Relationship Strength (5%). A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM CST, with an optional facility tour available on February 19, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST. The anticipated contract term is three years beginning June 1, 2025, and expiring May 31, 2028, with options to renew for two additional three-year terms.

The procurement establishes a mandatory Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB) Subcontracting Plan requirement, obligating prime contractors to either perform the entire contract with internal resources or demonstrate documented good faith effort in soliciting qualified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses and other subcontractors, with a minimum of two VetHUB center notifications and three or more State of Texas certified VetHUBs identified for each subcontracting opportunity and a minimum of seven working days' notice provided. Failure to submit a completed VetHUB Subcontracting Plan constitutes material non-compliance and grounds for proposal rejection. The University retains the right to make multiple awards under this RFP and to utilize any resulting contract across University of Texas System institutions under group purchasing authority. Proposers must comply with extensive certifications and representations addressing compliance with Texas Government Code boycott provisions, foreign entity restrictions, non-discrimination requirements, debarment status, tax compliance, and cybersecurity standards as outlined in the Execution of Offer and Sample Services Agreement documents. All equipment must include a minimum one-year manufacturer's warranty and one-year initial warranty for system installation at no additional cost, with contractors required to provide two-year comprehensive warranty coverage including 24-hour response times and 72-hour repair commitments on warranty items. Training deliverables include approximately 40 hours of technical instruction covering system overview, operator training, loudspeaker rigging, electronics and DSP configuration, and network switch configuration, with all travel expenses included in the bid. Specific contract award values and budgets are not disclosed in the RFP documentation; however, the project scope encompasses multiple audio and acoustic system installations across two major university venues, suggesting a substantial procurement likely exceeding the $100,000 threshold triggering subcontracting plan requirements.