The Houston Independent School District will open the solicitation process Saturday, Dec. 1, for architectural and engineering firms seeking to take part in the $1.89 billion 2012 bond program to replace and modernize schools across the city.
The Request for Qualifications will be available on the district’s website at http://prodnet.houstonisd.org/procurement/psd/. For companies interested in doing business with HISD, this RFQ is the first step toward winning a contract, and an important milestone in the district’s plan to ensure a quality construction program.
The RFQ encompasses the design and engineering work for all 40 schools slated to be renovated, replaced or built during the 2012 bond program.
“HISD wants to find the most qualified architectural and engineering firms to design schools for 21st-century learning,” said Chief Operating Officer Leo Bobadilla. “Our goal is to build schools that enhance education and become assets to their communities.”
The RFQ is designed to allow district officials to evaluate a firm’s qualifications, by looking at everything from its experience with school projects to its specific expertise in LEED green building design, also known as “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.”
In addition, HISD is continuing its commitment to promoting diversity among the companies doing business with the district by considering the participation of minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs).
HISD wants to ensure that all firms seeking to win a contract understand the selection criteria, which will be detailed at http://prodnet.houstonisd.org/procurement/psd/.
Pre-submittal conferences will be held on the RFQ on Dec. 18. To be considered, firms must submit their Statement of Qualifications by Jan. 7, 2013. The district will be holding interviews with selected firms in late January before sending its recommendation to the Board of Education.
The board could consider awarding contracts at its meeting on Feb. 14, 2013.