Development Executive Search Services for Higher Education

The University of Texas at Austin is issuing a Request for Proposal to procure executive search services for higher education, specifically to identify, evaluate, and recruit experienced development leaders to fill executive-level positions within UT Austin's Development Office. The procurement serves Travis County and the City of Austin in Texas and was posted on February 3, 2026, with a proposal due date of February 20, 2026. Qualified vendors must conduct customized executive searches tailored to UT Austin's specific organizational objectives and staffing needs, with each search designed to identify senior-level development professionals with proven track records of success. Vendors must demonstrate relevant experience in executive search services within higher education or comparable sectors and possess established networks for identifying and recruiting senior-level development talent. Key qualifications include the ability to deliver comprehensive recruitment services for executive-level talent acquisition, compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, and maintenance of appropriate insurance coverage. The RFP evaluation criteria assess vendor experience, qualifications, proposal format adherence, and detailed evaluation methodologies as outlined in Section 4.5 of the Scope of Work and supporting RFP documentation. Proposers must submit an Execution of Offer form with comprehensive representations, warranties, and certifications; acknowledge receipt of any addenda through the Addenda Acknowledgement form; and comply with Texas Government Code provisions relating to child support obligations, antitrust laws, equal employment opportunity, tax obligations, conflict of interest prohibitions, and restrictions on business with certain foreign entities.

The RFP documentation does not explicitly identify any set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendor information in the provided materials. No current contractor or existing infrastructure integration requirements are specified in the available documents. The sample agreement framework establishes the operational and legal structure governing contract performance, including service delivery standards, vendor responsibilities, payment terms, intellectual property considerations, confidentiality requirements, termination provisions, and liability limitations. Award values, budget ranges, contract duration, renewal options, and specific pricing terms are outlined in the complete RFP package but are not detailed in the summary documentation provided. Vendors should review all five attached documents—the main RFP, General Information attachment, Execution of Offer, Addenda Acknowledgement form, and Sample Agreement—to understand complete requirements, evaluation criteria, and contractual obligations prior to proposal submission by the February 20, 2026 deadline.