Project 24-011-BSH, Central Kitchen Renovations at Big Spring State Hospital

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Project 24-011-BSH, seeking a Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMR) to complete comprehensive renovations of the Central Kitchen at Big Spring State Hospital. The project involves a full renovation of Building 534, which includes replacing windows, doors, refrigeration equipment, flooring, air handling units, and other critical infrastructure components. Specific renovation objectives include reconfiguring kitchen equipment and layout, improving dining room safety, and upgrading patient and staff restrooms to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The procurement follows a two-step selection process with strict submission requirements, including mandatory pre-submittal conferences on September 17-18, 2025, and mandatory site visits on September 23-24, 2025. Responses are due by October 14, 2025, with an anticipated notice of award on January 26, 2026. The evaluation criteria will be weighted 70% on qualifications (including experience, key personnel, quality programs, and methodology) and 30% on proposed cost. Respondents must submit comprehensive documentation demonstrating organizational capabilities, including company profiles, key personnel experience, quality and safety programs, and proposed project methodology.

The project has specific requirements for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation, mandating that respondents submit a HUB Subcontracting Plan as part of their proposal. Firms must provide evidence of financial solvency and demonstrate the capacity to execute a complex renovation project. The total estimated Cost of Work is $6,301,222.00, which does not include pre-construction management fees, construction management fees, or general conditions. Funding for the project will come from state appropriations, which must be encumbered within two years and fully expended within five years from June 2023. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed beyond the HUB requirements, the procurement appears designed to encourage diverse and qualified contractors to participate. The project's scope and technical requirements suggest that respondents should have significant experience in healthcare facility renovations, particularly in state hospital settings. The contract term will span the entire project completion timeline, with the expectation of delivering a fully renovated, functional, and compliant central kitchen facility.