Development Executive Search Services for Higher Education

The University of Texas at Austin is requesting proposals for Development Executive Search Services for Higher Education under RFP 721-26051, with proposals due February 20, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. Central Time and questions due February 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CT.

The scope spans five phases: Inquiry & Customization, Identification/Assessment & Reporting, Vetting & Presentation, Selection/Recruitment, and Follow-Up Activities. The awardee will identify, evaluate, and recruit experienced development leaders to fill executive-level roles within UT Austin's Development Office and potentially other institutions within The University of Texas System. A dedicated resource must be assigned as primary liaison for the contract duration.

The estimated contract term runs March 2026 through March 2028, with the University reserving the right to renew for up to three additional one-year terms. Pricing must be submitted as firm fixed-price deliverables with no separate expense reimbursement. The University applies standard net 30-day payment terms under the Texas Prompt Payment Act and prefers payment through the JP Morgan Chase Single Use Account Program.

Evaluation uses best-value criteria weighted as follows: Respondent Qualifications, Abilities, and Reputation (25%); Quality of Proposed Goods or Services/Methodology and Approach (25%); Staffing Resources and Past Business Relationship Strength with University (35%); and Price Proposal and Long-Term Cost (15%). The University reserves the right to make multiple awards and to advance responses to a competitive range for interviews.

No public opening of responses will be conducted. Responses must be submitted via the University Euna (Bonfire) portal. The University has determined that subcontracting opportunities are not probable; therefore, a VetHUB Subcontracting Plan is not required. Group purchasing authority is available, potentially extending contract use to other UT System institutions.