Murray Unit - Install HVAC

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is soliciting a Construction Manager at Risk proposal for HVAC installation at the Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas (Solicitation 696-FD-26-Q037), with proposals due August 18, 2026, and a mandatory pre-submittal conference and site visit on July 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

All respondents must submit a Texas Subcontracting Plan and commit to recruit certified VetHUB (Veteran Heroes United in Business) subcontractors with participation goals of 3.00% across all contract categories. Respondents must notify at least two certified VetHUBs for each subcontracting opportunity, allowing a minimum of seven business days for responses. Any contractor whose subcontracting plan lacks accurate supporting documentation will not be awarded the contract, and unauthorized plan modifications may result in debarment from all state contracting.

The scope encompasses design and installation of a new HVAC system in five dormitory buildings (J1, J2, K1, K2, and K3) serving inmate housing, with a total cooling load of approximately 450 tons. A basis of design investigative report prepared by Parkhill, Inc. presents three alternative system options: direct expansion cooling with split system condensing units, air-cooled chiller systems, and water-cooled chiller systems with cooling towers. All options include central station gas-fired air handlers with gas heating, new ductwork, concrete pads for outdoor equipment, piping infrastructure, and a new emergency diesel generator. The water-cooled chiller option is identified as most economical with a 25-year life cycle cost of approximately $39.4 million and estimated annual energy savings exceeding $150,000.

The anticipated project timeline spans 33 months: 9 months for preconstruction and design, 24 months for construction. Pricing comprises three components: a Pre-Construction Management Fee (to be negotiated), a Construction Management Fee calculated as a percentage of the Cost of Work (with baseline Cost of Work of $15,434,179.00), and a General Conditions Not-to-Exceed fee encompassing bonds, insurance, project management personnel, temporary facilities, and site controls.

All contractor staff, delivery personnel, and subcontractors must comply with mandatory TDCJ security procedures, including security escorts in areas with offender access, background checks, tool control procedures, and hazardous chemical inventory and supervision. Contractors must provide statutory Performance and Payment Bonds and execute a Non-Collusion Affidavit. Prevailing wage requirements under Davis-Bacon Act regulations apply. Pre-submittal conference registration must be completed by July 17, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. with Ali Duke (Alicia.Duke@tdcj.texas.gov, 936-437-3839) or Amanda Kramer (Amanda.Kramer@tdcj.texas.gov, 936-437-3848).