Garza West HVAC

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Facilities Division issued Request for Proposal 696-FD-26-P024 on April 2, 2026, soliciting proposals for the installation of new HVAC systems at multiple locations within the Garza West Unit in Beeville, Texas. The procurement involves the installation of 18 new 35-ton air handlers with cooling capacity to replace existing heat-only units at this inmate housing facility, including removal of existing equipment, electrical wiring modifications, startup services by factory-trained technicians, and factory training for maintenance personnel. Deliverables include operation and maintenance manuals, warranty documentation, spare parts (one complete air handler unit, four compressors, four fan motors, and manufacturer-recommended maintenance parts), and testing/balancing reports. Respondents must hold a Texas Class A Air-Conditioning License, employ licensed Master Electricians for electrical work, and ensure all welding is performed by AWS-certified personnel; additionally, contractors must demonstrate comparable experience with similar installations and maintain strong quality assurance and safety records. Evaluation criteria weighted responses at 50% for cost, 15% for specification compliance, 15% for comparable experience and past performance, 10% for assigned staff qualifications, and 10% for quality assurance and safety records. A mandatory pre-proposal conference and site visit occurred on April 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.; vendor questions were due by April 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with estimated amendments to follow on April 28, 2026; proposals must be submitted electronically through the TDCJ Euna Procurement Portal (Bonfire) by May 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, with contract performance required within 240 days of the Notice to Proceed, mobilization within 30 days, and construction commencing within 45 days, subject to liquidated damages of $470.00 per day for failure to meet the deadline.

No Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting plan is required for this solicitation as determined by TDCJ under Texas Government Code Section 2161.252; however, the solicitation encourages utilization of HUBs in subcontracting, particularly for HVAC manufacturing services and installation work. All respondents must comply with mandatory prevailing wage rates, ranging from $8.50 to $38.97 per hour depending on trade classification, effective January 2, 2026, and submit performance and payment bonds in the full contract amount within 14 days of award. Comprehensive insurance requirements include workers' compensation, general liability, auto liability, and builder's risk insurance at 100% of contract value, along with mandatory background checks and security protocols for all contractor personnel accessing TDCJ facilities. The estimated budget for this project is $14,226,997.00, with proposals requiring itemized breakdowns of materials, labor, overhead, and profit. Respondents must complete and affirm 58 distinct compliance certifications addressing state and federal requirements including E-Verify utilization, suspension and debarment status, human trafficking prohibitions, cybersecurity training, and various other mandatory attestations, with failure to complete these certifications resulting in proposal disqualification.