How to bid on Holiday Lighting Services for the University of Texas at Austin

What the University of Texas at Austin is buying

The University of Texas at Austin needs a vendor to handle holiday lighting services. This includes installing university-owned lighting, performing maintenance and adjustments during events, and completely removing the lights afterward. The work will be done annually as needed, following designs provided by the university's production team.

This opportunity is for a contract with an estimated value of $350,000. It's a chance for a business to secure recurring work with a major educational institution.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on July 31, 2026. The deadline for submitting your response is August 17, 2026, at 3:30 PM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this time.

It is crucial to submit your response well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Late submissions are typically not accepted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for facilities management companies, event production companies, or specialized lighting installation firms with experience in large-scale decorative lighting projects. Vendors should be capable of handling installation, ongoing maintenance, and removal of lighting inventory.

The relevant category for this work is facilities, specifically relating to outdoor and event lighting services. Experience working with detailed design drawings will be beneficial.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation documents, you need to go to the Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD). The solicitation number is 721-26004. Viewing the posting and its associated documents is public and does not require an account.

Once you have reviewed all the documents, follow the specific instructions provided within the posting for submitting your response. Ensure your submission meets all requirements and is sent before the stated deadline.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully read the entire Request for Proposal (RFP), paying close attention to the Scope of Work (Section 4.5) to fully understand the university's needs. Highlight all mandatory requirements and ensure your proposal addresses each one clearly.

Detail your firm's experience with similar holiday or event lighting projects, emphasizing your capabilities in installation, maintenance, and removal. Provide examples of your ability to work from detailed design drawings. Clearly outline your proposed approach to project management and quality control.

Ensure your pricing is competitive and clearly itemized as requested. Double-check all forms and attachments for completeness and accuracy before submission. A well-organized and thorough response demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.