Women's Softball Field Turf Replacement

Lamar University, a component institution of the Texas State University System located in Beaumont, Texas, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP #734-03022026-KM) for the complete removal and replacement of the women's softball field's existing natural grass surface with new synthetic turf, including soil stabilization and associated drainage improvements. The project scope encompasses synthetic turf installation across approximately 52,312 square feet of main field, 3,266 square feet for batting cages, and 3,088 square feet combined for two bullpen areas, along with subgrade preparation (offering three remediation options including lime treatment, drainage layer with impermeable liner, or chemical injection stabilization), perimeter drainage system installation with perforated polyethylene pipe, geotextile fabric placement, synthetic turf deployment with specified infill material to achieve minimum G-Max shock absorption ratings and four inches per hour drainage capacity, electrical service upgrades including new outdoor ground boxes rated for NEMA 6P and IP68 standards, concrete curbing, chain link fencing and gates, and NCAA-compliant athletic equipment installation. The contractor must provide two field maintenance equipment units (SMG Turfcare TCA 1400 Field Groomer/Sweeper or approved equal), return to the site after the first season to top dress the field with additional infill material, and deliver an eight-year non-prorated warranty covering ultraviolet degradation, manufacturing defects, faulty installation, and premature wear under proper maintenance. All materials must be new, bear Underwriters Laboratories inspection labels, and comply with ASTM, ACI, NFPA, TxDOT, and NCAA standards. Proposals will be evaluated on six criteria: Respondent's Statement of Qualifications and Availability (5%), Ability to Provide Services (5%), Qualifications and Experience of Construction Team (20%), Performance on Past Lamar University or Similar Representative Projects (20%), Project Planning and Scheduling (10%), and Pricing and Delivery Proposal (40%). The mandatory pre-submittal conference and site visit is scheduled for March 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.; the deadline for submitting questions is March 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST/CDT; proposals are due April 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST/CDT with HUB Subcontracting Plans due April 8, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CST/CDT; contract execution is anticipated for April 17, 2026; and construction is scheduled to commence May 15, 2026, with substantial completion targeted for October 1, 2026.

All respondents must submit a lump sum price for the entire project scope and are required to submit a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan demonstrating good faith effort to utilize Texas-certified minority and women-owned businesses, as the University has determined that subcontracting opportunities are probable. The project is subject to prevailing wage rate requirements under Texas General Decision Number TX 20260256 (effective January 2, 2026) with penalties of $60.00 per underpaid worker per day, and successful respondents must comply with performance and payment bond requirements for contracts exceeding $100,000 and $25,000 respectively, with bonds executed by sureties rated A- or better by A.M. Best and authorized to conduct business in Texas. All successful contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Business Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), and All-Risk Builder's Risk insurance on the full project value. No specific budget or award value is disclosed in the procurement documents, and no incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified. The University is exempt from sales tax and will provide exemption documentation upon request, and all respondents must comply with applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination, employment eligibility verification, cybersecurity training requirements, and Texas Government Code provisions addressing boycotts, vaccine passports, and critical infrastructure affirmation. Payment terms are net 30 days in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 2251.021, with monthly progress payments subject to five percent retainage until final completion.