Bid guide
How to bid on Architectural Engineering Services for Texas DSHS Public Health Laboratory 2
What the agency is buying
The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) is seeking a prime architectural and engineering (A/E) firm for the new Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Laboratory 2 (DPHL2) in Austin, Texas.
This project involves full design services for a new 220,000-square-foot laboratory building. The facility will include BSL-1 and BSL-2 labs for newborn screening (200,000 GSF) and a separate BSL-3 facility (20,000 GSF). The estimated construction cost for this project is $200 million. The contract term for A/E services is anticipated to be 1,460 calendar days, with services starting within ten calendar days of a Notice to Proceed.
Key dates and deadlines
The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued on August 7, 2026. A mandatory pre-submittal teleconference is required; you must attend either on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM or Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Pre-registration is required for these teleconferences. Firms that do not attend one of these mandatory conferences will have their submittals rejected.
The deadline for submitting questions is August 25, 2026. The final deadline for submitting qualifications and the Historically Underutilized Business (HSP) plan is September 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Notification to interview is scheduled for September 16, 2026. If interviews are required, they will be held on September 24, 2026. The contract is expected to be executed by November 1, 2026.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is for prime architectural and engineering firms with expertise in designing complex laboratory facilities, particularly those involving BSL-1, BSL-2, and BSL-3 spaces. The project's scale, with an estimated construction cost of $200 million and a 220,000-square-foot building, indicates a need for firms with significant experience in large-scale institutional or public health projects.
Firms should be prepared to collaborate closely with the DSHS, TFC, TFC’s Project Management Firm (Kitchell CEM), other consultants, and the Construction Manager at Risk. Experience in projects that support public health infrastructure and accommodate evolving technology would be beneficial.
How to respond
To access the full solicitation documents and instructions, you need to view the original posting on the Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD). This is a public posting, and no account is needed to view the documents.
You must attend one of the two mandatory pre-submittal teleconferences on August 18 or 19, 2026. Pre-registration is required for these teleconferences. Submit your qualifications and HSP by the deadline of September 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM, following the directions provided in the posting.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Given the mandatory pre-submittal teleconference, ensure an employee from your firm attends and pre-registers as required. This is a critical first step, as failure to attend will result in rejection of your submittal. Use this conference to ask clarifying questions about the project scope, technical requirements, or submission process.
Highlight your firm's experience with similar large-scale laboratory projects, especially those involving BSL-1, BSL-2, and BSL-3 containment levels. Emphasize your team's ability to deliver technically complex facilities and work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including state agencies and project management firms. Clearly demonstrate your understanding of the DSHS mission and the importance of expanding laboratory capacity.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Texas Facilities Commission; the original posting controls.