REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE LEASE OF 15,948 SF OF OFFICE SPACE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS FOR THE FIFTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS (15TH COA)

The Texas Facilities Commission is soliciting proposals for the lease of 15,948 square feet of office space in Austin, Texas, to accommodate the Fifteenth Court of Appeals, as authorized under Texas Government Code Chapter 2167. The solicitation, numbered 303-7-20834, requires respondents to provide a facility that includes a courtroom, offices, and specified auxiliary spaces such as a large conference room, breakroom, file room, evidence room, robing room, IT closet, and intern workstations using systems furniture, all conforming to detailed technical and security standards outlined in Attachment B. The space must be located within the city limits of Austin and meet stringent facility requirements including ADA and Texas Accessibility Standards compliance, Level III ballistic-resistant materials at the judges’ bench, panic alarm systems at critical points, electronic badge access for all doors, two secured exits from the courtroom, HVAC balancing with locking thermostats, 120-volt electrical outlets, ring and string wiring, and compliance with NFPA 1 fire code and ASHRAE indoor air quality standards. Construction management requires a pre-construction meeting, a critical path schedule approved by TFC and the court, and monthly progress meetings; all renovations must be completed 15 to 90 days prior to the commencement date, with the lessee granted free pre-occupancy access for preparation. The lease term will be either five or ten years, with the option to renew upon mutual agreement and 180 days’ written notice prior to expiration. Evaluation will be based on best value to the State of Texas under TGC Section 2167.0021, with price weighted at 50%, followed by condition of the facility at 25%, relevant experience and financial stability at 20%, and location and zoning at 5%. A pass/fail gate on litigation history is mandatory, and poor past performance may result in disqualification. The state reserves the right to conduct audits, inspect the property, and reject non-compliant space even after acceptance. The lessor is prohibited from publicizing the lease without TFC approval, and all submission materials are subject to the Texas Public Information Act. Proposals must be submitted as one original and four copies in a clearly labeled package by 3:00 p.m. Central Time on July 14, 2026, via U.S. mail, express delivery, or hand delivery to specified TFC addresses;