McDonald Observatory Exhibit

The University of Texas at Austin is requesting proposals for exhibit design, fabrication, and installation at McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas, with proposals due October 9, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. CDT. A mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for September 16, 2026 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CDT, and a vendor site visit is September 18, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT.

The scope encompasses conceptual development, design drawings, fabrication or procurement of interpretive exhibits, and complete installation across three gallery spaces: the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center main gallery (2,400 square feet), the Harlan J. Smith Telescope visitor lobby (301 square feet), and the Hobby-Eberly Telescope George T. Abell Gallery (1,425 square feet). Exhibits must be scientifically rigorous, operationally sustainable, eye-catching, interactive where appropriate, durable, reliable, and easily maintained, with unified design vocabulary reflecting McDonald Observatory brand guidelines.

Minimum qualifications require at least one team member with a B.A. or M.S. degree in Interpretation or five years of field experience in the discipline. Respondents must provide three client references from the past three years and include key personnel resumes. A VetHUB Subcontracting Plan is mandatory; subcontracting opportunities are probable for this contract with expected value exceeding $100,000.

The contract term runs November 1, 2026 through October 31, 2028, with two optional one-year renewal terms. Work is invoiced upon completion of each of three phases: design, fabrication, and installation. Respondents must propose a total firm fixed price with detailed pricing breaksheets. Payment follows the Texas Prompt Payment Act with net 30 days processing. A Performance Bond equal to 100 percent of the original contract price may be required.

Evaluation is weighted: Respondents' Qualifications, Abilities, and Reputation (30 percent), Quality of Proposed Services and Methodology (30 percent), Price Proposal and Long-Term Cost (30 percent), and Ability to Meet University's Needs (10 percent). The University reserves the right to conduct best and final offer discussions and advance a competitive range for interviews. Questions are due September 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CDT. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the University's Bonfire portal; no public opening will be conducted.