AI Consulting Services

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is soliciting qualified service providers for AI Consulting Services under its HGACBuy Cooperative Purchasing Program, authorized by Texas Local Government Code. This solicitation, identified as AI02-26, invites contractors to offer AI consulting solutions on a master agreement basis with a four-year term and an optional fifth year extension. The contract enables Texas local governments and eligible entities to procure AI consulting services, either through selective acquisitions or turnkey projects that may include additional services such as training and maintenance agreements. Contractors are expected to submit competitive pricing proposals, including catalog or price list discounts or not-to-exceed hourly rates, while incorporating a mandatory 2% administrative fee payable to H-GAC. Responses must comply with federal and state procurement statutes, including labor and environmental laws, equal employment opportunity requirements, and DBE participation goals. Contractors awarded under this program must adhere to detailed contract provisions encapsulated in a Master Agreement encompassing legal, administrative, and compliance obligations. Key contract terms include FOB Destination shipping with contractors retaining title and risk until customer acceptance, mandatory delivery within five working days unless otherwise agreed, and the inclusion of all necessary accessories, safety, operating, and technical manuals. Inspection and acceptance are conducted at the delivery location or place of manufacture, with the contractor responsible for costs if products fail inspection. The evaluation criteria for award encompass price competitiveness, marketing strategy, unique service capabilities, customer support, past performance, and references, with a best-value trade-off selection method culminating in Board approval. Submission requirements dictate electronic delivery of responses via the OpenGov portal by December 18, 2025. Contractors must also commit to compliance with prohibited telecommunications equipment restrictions, background checks as required, and provide certifications related to debarment, lobbying, and affirmative business practices. Overall, this cooperative procurement framework facilitates streamlined access to AI consulting solutions for public entities while ensuring regulatory compliance and competitive service delivery.