DeCordova Bend Dam Bridge Load Rating IDIQ

The Brazos River Authority (BRA) in McLennan County, Texas is issuing Request for Proposals (RFP No. 26-1378) for an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to select qualified engineering firms for bridge load rating analyses at DeCordova Bend Dam. The primary scope of services includes reviewing existing documentation, conducting site visits to verify geometric and material properties, performing nondestructive testing, and executing comprehensive load rating analyses in accordance with AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation standards and TXDOT Load Rating Manual. Specific deliverables include developing bridge models, analyzing both inventory and operating ratings, and producing load rating summary reports sealed by Texas-licensed structural engineers. Proposals must be submitted by 10:00 AM on January 14, 2026, with a virtual proposal opening at 11:00 AM the same day. Questions are due by 4:00 PM on December 16, 2025, with agency responses posted as addenda by December 19, 2025. The contract evaluation will prioritize demonstrated competence and qualifications, specifically assessing firm background, project team qualifications, quality control methodology, and schedule/manpower allocation. Proposals are limited to 20 pages and must include specific tabs detailing company information, personnel qualifications, and required administrative forms.

The solicitation encourages submissions from all qualified firms, with explicit emphasis on inclusion of Small, Minority, Women-Owned, and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB). The contract term is one year with potential renewal for four additional one-year periods, creating a maximum five-year potential engagement. Compensation will be structured as cost-reimbursable, time-and-materials basis, with individual hourly rates subject to BRA approval and specific Service Orders establishing scope and not-to-exceed fees for each assignment. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, including General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Professional Liability ($1,000,000 per claim), Workers' Compensation (statutory levels), and Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 per claim/aggregate). Notably, the RFP explicitly prohibits including any pricing information in submissions, with automatic disqualification for proposals containing pricing details. While no specific budget range is provided, the IDIQ structure suggests flexibility in potential project scope and corresponding compensation. Selected firms may also potentially provide third-party expert opinions for load rating analyses throughout the Brazos River basin.