McDonald Observatory EV Replacement Vehicles (6)

The University of Texas at Austin, on behalf of McDonald Observatory of the College of Natural Sciences, is soliciting competitive bids through Invitation to Bid No. 721-26079 for the procurement of six electric vehicles. The specific deliverables consist of two 2026 Chevrolet Work Truck Standard Range 4-door Crew Cab 4WD models with extended-range batteries and four 2027 Chevrolet Bolt LT vehicles. Qualified and experienced vendors must submit bids on a firm fixed-price, F.O.B. Destination basis, with all freight charges included in the total bid price. Bidders are required to provide detailed, itemized pricing through the Bonfire BidTable platform and must certify their understanding of all specifications and requirements without exceptions or assumptions. The bid submission deadline is April 7, 2026, with bids to be time-stamped at the University Purchasing Office located at 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA Building, Suite 3.302, Austin, Texas 78701; late bids will not be accepted. Bid prices are firm for acceptance within 30 days following the bid opening date. Bidders must provide comprehensive company information, federal tax identification numbers, and disclose any ownership interests of 25 percent or greater.

No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions on organizational types are mentioned in the solicitation documents. The University of Texas at Austin, as a state agency, is exempt from Texas Sales and Use Tax and federal excise tax, and will not provide tax exemption certificates. Payment will be rendered in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 2251 through electronic funds transfer methods, including the automated clearing house system, with standard payment terms of Net 30 days per the Texas Prompt Payment Act. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Workers' Compensation at statutory limits, Employer's Liability at $1,000,000 per accident, Commercial General Liability at $1,000,000 per occurrence, and Business Auto Liability at $1,000,000 combined single limit, with the University named as an additional insured. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure integration requirements are referenced in the available documents. The solicitation does not disclose a specific budget range or award value, though bidders are encouraged to identify all available discounts, including educational, federal, state, local discounts, and applicable Group Purchasing Organization contracts recognized by the UT System.