Steel Supplies and Related Welding Materials

Houston Community College (HCC) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP-C 25-44) for Steel Supplies and Related Welding Materials, targeting the Materials Science & Smart Manufacturing Department. The solicitation seeks qualified firms to provide a comprehensive range of steel and aluminum materials, including flat bar, pipes, and related welding supplies. Proposals are due on September 5, 2025, by 2:00 p.m. local time, and must be submitted electronically through the Bonfire portal. The contract term is anticipated to be one year with potential renewal options for four additional one-year terms. Evaluation criteria will primarily focus on pricing, with proposers required to submit discount percentages from the Manufacturer Suggested List Price (MSLP) for each product category. Delivery requirements mandate a five-business-day window after purchase order receipt, with deliveries coordinated across multiple HCC campus locations including Southeast, Stafford, Central, South, North Forest, and Alief Bissonnet campuses. The anticipated board recommendation and approval date is November 2025, with HCC reserving the right to award separate contracts to multiple contractors.

HCC has established a Small Business Development Program that actively encourages participation from small and minority-owned businesses, offering potential bonus points for small business subcontracting commitments. The solicitation includes provisions to support disadvantaged enterprises and promote inclusive procurement practices. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the college estimates an annual spend of $232,000, with no guaranteed annual volumes. The procurement allows for flexibility in contractor selection, potentially enabling multiple vendors to be awarded contracts based on their proposed pricing and small business practices. Proposers will need to demonstrate capability in supplying a diverse range of steel and welding materials, with the ability to meet stringent delivery and quality requirements across various campus locations. The procurement approach suggests a competitive bidding process designed to secure the most advantageous pricing and service offerings while supporting local and small business participation.