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

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking a general contractor for Project 24-101-AUL, a fire alarm system upgrade at the Austin State Supported Living Center. The procurement involves comprehensive installation of new, NFPA 72 code-compliant fire alarm systems in Buildings 533 and 732, which includes removing existing systems and installing addressable fire alarm components with smoke and carbon monoxide detection. Key deliverables include installing approximately one Notification Appliance Circuit panel per level, providing a Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter for off-site monitoring, and implementing new fiber optic transmission lines between buildings. Mandatory requirements include maintaining an "A" rating from ISNetWorld, employing a field project manager with NICET Level III fire alarm certification, and having a designer with equivalent professional credentials. Critical procurement dates include two mandatory facility site visits on December 11 and 16, 2025, an optional pre-proposal webinar on December 10, 2025, proposal submission deadline of January 14, 2026, and an anticipated contract award on February 10, 2026. Evaluation criteria will assess construction services ability (30%), quality and safety programs (5%), proposed methodology (25%), and pricing (40%).

The contract includes provisions for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting, with a separate HSP submission deadline of January 15, 2026. Respondents must meet minimum qualifications, including five years of similar construction services experience, financial solvency certification, submission of a compliant HSP for contracts over $100,000, and three comparable project references. A security bond of not less than 5% of the potential total proposed cost is required. The project budget is approximately $280,000, and the contract will be awarded as a fixed-price agreement to the respondent offering the best value. The work must be performed with minimal disruption to the occupied facility, typically requiring night and weekend work with owner approval for any daytime activities. Contractors must restore interior finishes, coordinate utility shutoffs with a minimum seven-day notice, and maintain detailed as-built drawings in both physical and electronic formats. The contract is subject to Texas Government Code provisions and will be governed by Texas law, with venue in Travis County.