RFQ cam: historic context study and resource survey

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking professional services through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to conduct a comprehensive Historic Context Study and Resource Survey for its Main Campus and Pickle Research Campus. The project requires firms with expertise in historic preservation to perform a detailed reconnaissance-level survey of all buildings constructed before 1980, which includes approximately 150 buildings on the main campus and 50 buildings at the Pickle Research Center. Project managers must meet the Secretary of Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for history or architectural history, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. The scope involves developing historic contexts for both campuses, creating an ESRI Collector application, and delivering electronic documentation that meets National Park Service guidelines. Evaluation will be based on a 100-point system: Statement of Interest and Availability (20 points), Project Team's Ability to Provide Services (50 points), Performance on Past Projects (15 points), and Proposed Project Plan (15 points). Key dates include a non-mandatory pre-submittal conference on January 30, 2025, questions due by February 6, 2025, and qualifications submissions due February 20, 2025, with an anticipated contract award by May 2025 and a ten-month project completion timeline.

The procurement includes a mandatory Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation goal of 23.7% for professional services, with detailed requirements for vendors to document their subcontracting intentions with HUB vendors. The University will require monthly compliance reports and seek approval for any modifications to the HUB Subcontracting Plan. While no specific budget range is mentioned, the RFQ characterizes this as a "Project of Limited Size or Scope," with pricing to be negotiated with the selected firm. Reimbursable expenses will be allowed at 1.1 times actual cost with prior written approval. The pre-proposal conference attendee list indicated significant industry interest, with 30 participants from various architecture firms, environmental consultants, preservation specialists, and cultural resource management companies. The project will require comprehensive documentation of pre-1980 resources, including buildings, objects, cultural landscapes, structures, statues, art, courtyards, and bridges, with an emphasis on identifying character-defining features and conducting integrity assessments.