RFQ for Fire and Life Safety Code Inspections

The University of Texas at Austin is requesting qualifications for fire and life safety code inspections and testing services across university-owned and leased facilities, with qualifications due October 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CST and contract award anticipated November 13, 2026.

The RFQ requires submission of a Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB) Subcontracting Plan as a mandatory condition of responsiveness; failure to submit this plan results in rejection. Respondents must demonstrate professional qualifications through relevant experience on similar projects for institutions of higher education, medical facilities, or comparable entities. All proposed team members and subcontractors must provide resumes and professional certifications documenting ten years of experience with third-party independent code inspections and testing.

The scope includes field inspections, testing, documentation, and coordination services for new building construction, additions, renovations, and alterations at UT Austin locations including the Main Campus, research campuses, Dell Seton Medical Center, McDonald Observatory, and Marine Science Institute. The anticipated 2027 workload comprises approximately 6 new campus-managed building projects, 4 private-public partnerships, 25 major renovations, 50 minor renovations, and 30 lab renovation projects. UT Austin intends to select multiple qualified firms on an as-needed, non-exclusive basis.

Compensation is established per-project through "Authorization to Commence Work" agreements; fees are determined by hourly rates or per-service fees submitted in project proposals and subject to a maximum contract value of $5 million without Board of Regents authorization. Reimbursable expenses for travel, meals, lodging, and equipment rental are limited to actual, out-of-pocket costs with advance written approval and must comply with state travel reimbursement guidelines. UT Austin makes no guarantee regarding minimum work volume or specific project assignments.

The contract runs for one year with four consecutive one-year renewal options at UT Austin's discretion. Service commences January 1, 2027. Professional liability insurance limits range from $1 million to $5 million depending on project cost. Respondents must comply with Texas franchise tax certification, workers' compensation insurance requirements, and the Disclosure of Interested Parties Statute. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for November 2–6, 2026. Qualifications must be submitted electronically via UT Box in searchable, bookmarked PDF format and limited to 45 pages.