FC1 Elevator Modernization

The University of Texas at Austin is issuing Request for Proposal No. 721-26063 for the selective alteration and modernization of two hydraulic passenger elevators (FC1 Elevators 1 and 2) located at the FC1 office building (1301 E Dean Keeton St, Austin, TX 78722). The procurement encompasses comprehensive upgrades to drive and control systems, operational and motion controllers, switches, wiring, power units with secondary containment, and infrastructure modifications to pit, hoistway, and machine room areas to achieve compliance with ASME A17.1-2016 and current building codes. Deliverables include all labor and materials for modernization, 12-month manufacturer's warranties on new equipment, 10-year unconditional warranties for corrosion protection, routine monthly maintenance, and 24-hour emergency repair response during the construction and one-year warranty periods. Key objectives include maximizing reliability, extending equipment lifespan, ensuring energy efficiency, correcting code violations, and implementing current safety features while maintaining continuous building occupancy and keeping one elevator operational throughout construction. Contractors must demonstrate five years of continuous operation installing hydraulic elevators with an established office and warehouse in the Austin, Texas area, maintain qualified personnel including journey workers and apprentices through U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship programs, and comply with all applicable codes and accessibility standards. The mandatory pre-proposal meeting and site walk are scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM CT, with written questions due by Friday, March 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT. Proposals must be submitted via the University's Bonfire portal by Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2:30 PM CT, with an anticipated contract start of May 1, 2026, for an initial six-month period and potential additional six-month renewal option. Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: Respondent Qualifications, Abilities, and Reputation (20%); Quality of Proposed Goods or Services including Methodology and Approach (30%); Price Proposal and Long-term Cost (30%); and Staffing Resources and Past Business Relationship Strength with the University (20%).

A Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB) Subcontracting Plan is a mandatory requirement for this procurement, which exceeds the $100,000 threshold, with subcontracting opportunities deemed probable. The procurement does not appear to include specific small business or disadvantaged enterprise set-asides beyond the VetHUB requirement. Acceptable elevator equipment manufacturers include Tejas Elevators, ThyssenKrupp, Otis, KONE, Metro Elevator, Southwest Elevator, Mitsubishi, Fujitec, Bucher Hydraulics, Delaware Elevator, and others approved by the University's Elevator Manager. Pricing proposals must include total firm fixed costs for all deliverables with detailed itemized cost breakdowns for materials and labor, and the University follows the Texas Prompt Payment Act with net 30 days standard payment terms, accepting the JP Morgan Chase Single Use Account (SUA) Program as its preferred payment method. The document does not specify an explicit budget range or award value; however, the requirement for comprehensive modernization of two hydraulic elevator systems with all associated infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, and warranty obligations suggests a significant contract value. The University reserves the right to make multiple awards and may request Best and Final Offers (BAFO) from qualified respondents before final selection.