CMR for Texas School for the Deaf Central Plant Renovation Project

The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) is soliciting qualifications for a Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMR) to provide pre-construction and construction management services for Project #25-035-3303, the Texas School for the Deaf Central Utility Plant (CUP) South Improvements project located at 1102 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. The procurement follows a two-step award process under Texas Government Code Chapter 2269, Subchapter F. The project scope encompasses comprehensive upgrades to the existing Central Utility Plant infrastructure, including increasing chilled water capacity from 1,600 tons to 3,000 tons, increasing heating water system input capacity from 18,000 MBH to 30,000 MBH, replacing aging mechanical components originally installed in 1994, replacing select piping sections, upgrading building pumps to high-efficiency variable speed systems, and conducting comprehensive system commissioning and testing. Step One submissions are due March 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM and will be evaluated on Experience and Qualifications (40% weight), Methodology and Budget/Schedule Compliance (30% weight), Quality/Safety Programs & Safety Record (10% weight), Litigation History (pass/fail), and HUB Subcontracting Plan (pass/fail); the highest-ranked five or fewer respondents will be shortlisted for interviews scheduled for April 6, 2026. Step Two, for shortlisted firms only, includes submission of pricing information for indirect construction costs with a deadline of April 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM and will add Compensation and Fees (20% weight) to the evaluation criteria. Key personnel must be identified through an organizational chart, respondents must provide five completed project references demonstrating CMR experience with similar project types, and all submissions must include an electronic bid bond of $25,000 and a HUB Subcontracting Plan submitted through the Texas Facilities Commission's OpenGov portal. Additional dates include mandatory pre-submittal teleconferences on February 24 and 25, 2026, an optional site visit for shortlisted firms on April 2, 2026, anticipated award by Commission on May 21, 2026, and targeted contract execution for June 15, 2026; construction must commence within 15 calendar days after Notice to Proceed is issued.

The solicitation includes a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting requirement of 21.1% for all building construction work, with respondents required to submit a compliant HUB Subcontracting Plan through the B2Gnow system or face rejection of their submittal. The estimated Cost of Work is $24,475,000, excluding pre-construction management fees, construction management fees, and construction general conditions costs. The pre-construction phase is estimated at 180 calendar days, with the construction period projected at 460 calendar days for a total contract term of 640 calendar days. Respondents must demonstrate workers' compensation experience modification rates for the past five years and comply with prevailing wage requirements under Texas Government Code Chapter 2258 and federal Davis-Bacon Act requirements. All contractor employees and subcontractors must undergo criminal background checks conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety before performing on-site work, with costs borne by the contractor. The contract includes performance and payment bond requirements, a five percent retainage requirement, a one-year warranty period on all work, and comprehensive insurance requirements including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, automobile liability, builder's risk, and umbrella coverage. Award is contingent upon continued availability of funding through appropriations.