RFQ730-26007 MASTER DEVELOPMENT PARTNER FOR THE QUANTUM

The University of Houston is conducting a two-step Request for Qualifications, RFQ730-26007, to select a single firm or joint venture as the Master Development Partner for The Quantum project, a major campus development requiring comprehensive predevelopment services. Respondents must submit a fully constituted team including design consultants and a construction general manager, with flexibility to add expertise later as needed. The evaluation process begins with a weighted scoring of written proposals on previous public-private partnership experience, project understanding, key personnel, firm background, and references, totaling 100 points. Successful proposers will advance to a shortlist phase involving interviews, presentations, delivery strategy reviews, and financial due diligence, with scoring independent of the first step. Financial responsibility is a mandatory pass/fail criterion—failure to demonstrate sufficient bonding capacity, assets-to-liabilities ratios, or financial stability renders a firm non-responsive. All proposals must be submitted electronically by July 13, 2026, under 20 MB, no more than 30 single-sided pages, and must include a signed transmittal letter acknowledging receipt of addenda. The project scope includes site planning, ALTA surveys, environmental assessments, conceptual design up to 30 percent completion, traffic and parking studies, financial modeling, and public engagement, all aligned with UH’s architectural character and long-term stewardship goals. Deliverables must be presented in accordance with strict formatting rules and must not include trade secrets in their entirety. The selected Developer will operate as an independent contractor and must comply with all federal, state, local, and University of Houston policies, including EEO requirements and Texas-specific legal obligations. A comprehensive insurance package is required, including $1 million per occurrence general liability, $2 million general aggregate, $1 million professional liability, and Texas-mandated workers’ compensation with employer Liability limits of $1 million per accident and per employee. Performance and Payment Bonds, each equal to the full construction contract amount, must be furnished prior to construction under Texas Government Code. The Developer must indemnify the University against claims, while the University indemnifies the Developer to the extent permitted by Texas law. Recordkeeping is rigorous, with hard-copy accounting, payroll, contracts, and correspondence to be retained for four years after final payment. The project is financed through tax-exempt revenue bonds with a 30-year term and an interest rate cap of 6.0 percent; the Developer must guarantee delivery within budget and schedule, including cost overrun escrow if necessary. Lease