RFP HHS0016834v2, Project 24-101-AUL, Fire Alarm Upgrades, Austin, TX

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Health and Specialty Care System Division, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for general construction services to upgrade fire alarm systems at the Austin State Supported Living Center under Project 24-101-AUL. The scope of work includes installation of new NFPA 72-compliant fire alarm systems in Buildings 533 and 732, demolition of existing systems, installation of addressable fire alarm control units, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, horn/strobes, heat detectors, manual pull stations, and new underground fiber optic lines to transmit signals to the main security building. Deliverables require the contractor to submit detailed shop drawings, riser diagrams, graphical sequence of operations matrices, and as-built drawings upon project completion, with all work coordinated to maintain building operations during nights and weekends as required. Qualified respondents must have been in business for a minimum of five years, submit a letter of intent from a surety company indicating bonding capacity, provide references for three comparable projects, demonstrate financial stability, and be currently authorized to do business in Texas. A field project manager with minimum NICET Level III certification in fire alarm system technology and a designer with NICET Level III certification or licensed professional fire protection engineer must be assigned to the project. Evaluation criteria include relevant construction services ability and experience (30 percent), quality and safety programs (5 percent), proposed methodology (25 percent), and pricing (40 percent). Critical deadlines include mandatory pre-proposal webinars on April 17 and April 22, 2026 (attendance required or respondents face disqualification), an optional site visit on April 24, 2026, a written questions deadline of April 28, 2026, and proposal submission by May 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Central Time, with an anticipated notice of award on June 8, 2026 and contract start date of June 22, 2026.

The RFP documents do not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting eligible respondents to disadvantaged enterprises or particular organization types, suggesting the opportunity is open to qualified general contractors meeting the baseline requirements. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available procurement materials. All equipment must be new and listed by Underwriters Laboratories, with the fire alarm system required to be non-proprietary to ensure components are available from multiple sources for procurement and servicing. Respondents must submit a security bond equal to 5 percent of the largest possible total proposed cost. The project estimate is approximately $280,000.00, and the contract will be awarded on a fixed-price basis to the respondent offering the best value based on published selection criteria, governed by Texas law and the Texas Uniform General Conditions for Construction Contracts.