Okonite Cable Supply and Related Services

The University of Texas at Austin, specifically its Utilities and Energy Management (UEM) department, is seeking proposals for Okonite Cable Supply and Related Services through RFP No. 721-26016. The procurement targets qualified firms to provide Okonite branded cabling in various sizes and types, with an anticipated contract covering approximately 30,000 feet of cable (250/350/500 sizes) for the campus underground electrical distribution grid. The solicitation encompasses not only cable supply but also add-on services related to cable management, handling, and installation. The RFP covers a primary one-year contract term with options to renew for four additional one-year periods. Key procurement dates include a virtual pre-proposal meeting scheduled for October 7, 2025, at 1 PM CT, and a proposal submission deadline of October 22, 2025. Proposers are required to submit detailed unit costs per foot using the provided Bonfire BidTable Excel file, with pricing subject to bi-annual review. The university reserves the right to make multiple awards and adjust services as needed, with evaluation likely focusing on technical capabilities, pricing, and compliance with specified requirements.

The procurement includes a mandatory Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting goal of 23.7% for professional services, which requires vendors to submit a comprehensive Electronic HUB Subcontracting Plan (E-HSP) through the B2Gnow platform. Vendors must create a Utilization Plan and register in the UT Austin HUB Compliance Reporting System, with failure to comply potentially resulting in proposal rejection. Payment terms are set at net 30 days, utilizing the JP Morgan Chase Single Use Account (SUA) program with a 3% merchant surcharge. The procurement is contingent on the availability of appropriated funds, with the university retaining the right to terminate the contract if funds are not allocated for subsequent fiscal years. Proposers must complete extensive certifications covering areas such as antitrust compliance, tax status, child support, equal employment opportunity, and specific Texas government requirements, including verifications about business practices with sanctioned entities and compliance with various state regulations. The university emphasizes comprehensive vendor qualifications, ethical standards, and legal compliance throughout the solicitation process.