Police Marked and Unmarked Vehicles

The University of Texas at Austin Police Department issued Invitation to Bid No. 721-26046 on February 27, 2026, seeking qualified vendors to supply four 2025 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles—two marked and two unmarked—complete with all specified accessories as detailed in the pricing bid tables. This procurement covers Travis County and multiple Austin City jurisdictions within Texas. Bidders must submit electronic bids through the University Bonfire portal by March 19, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Central Time, with no public bid opening to be conducted. The University requires firm fixed pricing on an F.O.B. destination basis with all freight charges included, and bidders must specify the number of calendar days required for delivery commencing from contract execution, with a default obligation of 14 calendar days if delivery time is not specified. Award will be made based on best value criteria in accordance with Texas Education Code Section 51.9335, considering factors including purchase price, vendor reputation, quality, alignment with institutional needs, past vendor relationships, compliance with historically underutilized business requirements, and total long-term costs. Bid validity must extend for a minimum of 120 days following the March 19, 2026, submittal deadline, and bidders must submit all questions through the Bonfire portal while monitoring it for any addenda or additional information.

The solicitation documents indicate that compliance with historically underutilized business requirements will be evaluated as part of the award criteria, though no specific set-asides or restrictions limiting bidder participation are explicitly stated. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement materials. Bidders should be aware that the University of Texas System, which comprises 14 institutions, may evaluate whether this contract is suitable for use by other UT System institutions, potentially resulting in expanded purchase volumes beyond the initial four-vehicle procurement. The contract will be governed by Texas law and will incorporate the University's standard Purchase Order Terms and Conditions, including insurance requirements (workers' compensation at statutory limits, commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and business auto liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit). Payment terms are Net 30 days as mandated by the Texas Prompt Payment Act, processed through electronic funds transfer or JP Morgan Chase Single Use Account. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the available procurement documents.