CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AT-RISK for Texas School for the Deaf Central Plant Renovation Project

The Texas Facilities Commission is requesting qualifications for a Construction Manager-at-Risk to deliver pre-construction and construction management services for the Texas School for the Deaf Central Utility Plant Renovation Project in Austin, with qualifications due March 17, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and mandatory attendance at one of two pre-submittal teleconferences on February 24 or 25, 2026. A HUB Subcontracting Plan goal of 21.1% for building construction applies; failure to submit a completed HUB plan results in non-responsive rejection.

The scope encompasses comprehensive upgrades to the Central Utility Plant at 1102 S Congress Avenue serving twenty campus buildings: increasing chilled water capacity from 1,600 to 3,000 tons, increasing heating water system input capacity from 18,000 to 30,000 MBH, upgrading plant ventilation and conditioning systems, replacing aging mechanical components, improving site distribution piping, upgrading building pump systems, and conducting system optimization and commissioning. The CMR will provide design-phase cost estimates and constructability analysis at five milestone reviews (Schematic Design through 100% Construction Documents), prepare a Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal within 45–60 days of subcontractor bidding, establish a Critical Path Method baseline schedule, and maintain full-time on-site project management personnel.

The estimated Cost of Work is $24.475 million, excluding pre-construction management fees, construction management fees, and construction general conditions. Pre-construction is estimated at 180 calendar days; construction at 460 calendar days; total contract term 640 calendar days with target completion June 2, 2028. A $25,000 bid bond is required at submission. Compensation is structured as a fixed Preconstruction Services Fee plus a Construction Services Fee calculated as a percentage of the Cost of Work, with General Conditions as a lump sum. The contract is contingent on continued funding availability.

Step One evaluation (weighted 40% qualifications and experience, 30% methodology and budget/schedule compliance, 10% quality/safety programs and safety record, with litigation history and HUB plan as pass/fail) determines up to five finalists for Step Two, which adds compensation and fees (20% weight). Short-listed firms receive optional site visit notification March 27, 2026; site visit April 2; interviews April 6; Step Two pricing deadline April 13; award anticipated May 21, 2026; contract execution by June 15, 2026.