RFP 2026-1172 - Welding Services

Texas Tech University issued a Request for Proposal (RFP 2026-1172) on January 21, 2026, seeking cost-effective welding services to support operations across its main campus in Lubbock, Texas, and satellite or off-site locations on an as-needed basis. The procurement encompasses a comprehensive range of welding trades including animal pins, fencing, building repairs, metal fabrication, furniture repairs, sculpture and outdoor artwork repairs, structural repairs and builds, boiler welding with state stamps, steam pipe welding, and various welding methods (Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding, and Submerged Arc Welding). Projects will be formally authorized through Purchase Orders, ranging from small maintenance and repair work to larger-scale welding projects. Mandatory requirements include acceptance of Purchase Orders, OSHA compliance, worker safety protocols, provision of appropriate personal protective equipment, a minimum two-year warranty on services, criminal background checks at the proposer's expense, employee identification requirements, proper certifications and licenses, and customer support contact information. Specialty requirements apply to projects involving boilers, water heaters, and pressure vessels, requiring ASME Code compliance, valid welder authorizations, and National Board R-Stamp certification. Evaluation criteria weight financial value at 45 percent, demonstrated ability to fulfill requirements at 35 percent, value-added options at 10 percent, and quality assurance plan and control measures at 10 percent. Key deadlines include a written questions deadline of February 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central, with proposals due by 2:00 PM Central on February 20, 2026, submitted through TechBid, and a public proposal opening scheduled for February 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central via Microsoft Teams, with evaluation extending through March 2026 and an anticipated award recommendation by March 31, 2026.

The RFP requires all proposers to submit a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan regardless of subcontracting intent, with Texas Tech University's FY 2026 HUB goal set at one percent for all categories, representing a set-aside designation for disadvantaged enterprises. Proposers must submit firm pricing for twelve months following contract execution, after which annual increases not to exceed three percent may apply, with pricing required to apply uniformly across all TTU departments and including comprehensive cost breakdowns for labor, materials, and any additional services or equipment. All proposers must obtain required insurance including Workers Compensation, Commercial General Liability with $2 million general aggregate limits, and Automobile Liability coverage of $1 million, with TTU named as additional insured. The initial contract term is four years from the date of last signature, with automatic renewal for up to four additional one-year terms unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at least sixty days prior to expiration. Proposers may leverage existing cooperative or government contracts (such as BuyBoard, E&I, and OMNIA) and are encouraged to submit pricing equal to or better than current contract rates. No specific incumbent vendor, current contractor, or award value or budget range was disclosed in the available RFP documentation.