Bullock Museum Texas Spirit Theater Seating Replacement

The State Preservation Board is seeking proposals for the Bullock Museum Texas Spirit Theater Seating Replacement project in Austin, Texas. The procurement involves the complete replacement of 193 existing theater seats with Irwin Seating Company Signature Model 38" 12S loge upholstered theater seats or equivalent, including specific design requirements such as extra deep foam, Morbern Cosmic Bantam upholstery, oak wood armrests, LED aisle lights, and two ADA transfer arm seats. The project has a strict timeline, with de-installation scheduled from June 10-14, 2025, and new seat installation from June 30-July 3, 2025, with a mandatory reopening date of September 1, 2025. Evaluation criteria will total 100 points, distributed across experience with similar projects (20 points), ability to match seating specifications and installation (40 points), project cost (20 points), and timeline completion (20 points). Key requirements include contractors having at least ten years of experience with similar services, providing references, and maintaining good financial standing. The mandatory pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for April 9, 2025, with proposals due on April 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM CDT.

The State Preservation Board strongly encourages participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) and requires a HUB Subcontracting Plan as part of the proposal. The solicitation includes specific HUB participation goals across different contract types, with percentage targets ranging from 11.2% for heavy construction to 32.9% for special trade construction. Contractors must demonstrate good faith efforts in engaging HUB vendors, including notification to HUB companies and trade organizations. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the project requires close coordination with the Museum operations team and a separate carpet replacement contractor. The RFP mandates strict dust control measures and protection of sensitive electronic equipment during installation. The contract includes a minimum five-year warranty on structural standards and operating mechanisms, with a one-year warranty on upholstered components. Liquidated damages are built into the agreement to cover potential revenue losses from delayed exhibits, emphasizing the critical nature of meeting the project timeline. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive requirements suggest a significant investment in upgrading the theater's seating infrastructure.