Scope Specifications are intended to establish a minimum desired quality or performance level that will provide the best product available at the best price. It is not the intention of the University to write "closed specs". Due to State of Arkansas construction project bidding requirements, the award of a turn key plumbing repair/maintenance contract does not guarantee the award of plumbing or mechanical construction projects or large-scale repair and replacements requiring competitive bids. Nor does award of contract guarantee a spend amount per year with awardee.
Arkansas Tech University (the University) seeks licensed plumbing contractors to maintain/repair domestic water, sewer, and natural gas plumbing on the Russellville Campus, on an on-call basis. The maintenance will include but is not limited to:
1. Replacement/repair of domestic water, sewer, and natural gas pipe (both underground and above).
2. Replacement/repair of domestic water, sewer, and natural gas fittings (both underground and above).
3. Excavation, and disposal, of damaged plumbing pieces as needed.
4. Re-igniting any devices out due to repair.
5. Hydro-jetting lines
6. Camera inspection of lines.
7. Backflow testing is considered an optional service within this scope.
* The contractor will provide all piping, fittings, adhesives, and accessories needed.
* The university will provide assistance in the form of drawings, prior knowledge, or plumbing information.
* The contractor will begin regular maintenance work in no longer than 2 working days.
* The contractor will begin emergency repair work in no more than 2 hours.
* The contractor will provide all necessary Arkansas One Call's.
* The contractor will follow all OSHA or Arkansas Department of Labor regulations.
* The contractor will provide current licensure for all employees working at Arkansas Tech.
* The contractor will provide all necessary equipment, machines, or tools to make repairs.
* Any regular maintenance work involving an Arkansas One Call will be extended to a four-day beginning timeline.
All work preformed must meet or exceed local, state, or national plumbing codes.
Respondents need not be able perform all repairs listed above, but may include a list of those capable of performing in the response. Proposal Responses to this request are rated by points. The responses must include the following information for evaluation:
1. (30 pts) Experience and qualifications
2. (30 pts) References
3. (40 pts) Cost
Responses are evaluated and scored by a committee with cost being 40% of the total score weight.
Any confidential, proprietary, copyrighted or financial material submitted by respondents must be marked as such and submitted under separate cover. All submittals by proposers will be available for review to the extent permissible, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. A.C.A. section 25-19-105- et seq.
Background Arkansas Tech University is a public, comprehensive, regional University that was established by Act 100 of the 37th Arkansas General Assembly in 1909. ATU offers credentials and degrees at the technical certification, associate, baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral levels. The University operates campuses in Russellville and Ozark as well as Arkansas Tech Career Center (ATCC).
ATU was ranked No. 1 in Arkansas on CollegeNET's Social Mobility Index nine of the past ten years. The annual rating is an indicator of a university's success in providing graduates with a pathway to an enhanced economic standing.
Arkansas Tech is recognized as a statewide leader in STEM education. Students explore intersecting career paths made possible by more than 100-degree options for undergraduate students and more than 25 paths of graduate study.
Anticipated Procurement Timetable (Meeting and Award Dates are Tentative)
RFP Issued: November 3, 2026
Questions deadline: November 11, 2026 4 p.m. Email questions to jwarren2@atu.edu.
Answers posted to website: November 12, 2026 4 p.m.
Opening of Proposals: December 7, 2026 2 p.m.
Selection Committee meeting: Week of December 7, 2026
Awardee(s) Selection: Week of December 14, 2026
Awardee(s) Notification Week of December 14, 2026
Arkansas Legislative Review of Contract: January 2027
Contract Effective Date: February 1, 2027
Award: The University reserves the right to negotiate with the consultant selected for best and final offer. We anticipate this being a multi-award which will result in more than one vendor being awarded.
Award will be made in the best interest of the University; however, the University reserves the right to not award any contract pursuant to this request for quotation. Cost will 40% of the weight in the deciding factor.
The initial term of this contract is anticipated to be for a period of one (1) year with the option to renew on an annual basis 3 more times for a total of 4 years. If the University requires additional services after that time, the contract may be extended for up to as long a time as necessary to complete the additional services. However, in no case will the term of the contract exceed seven (7) years. The University reserves the right to cancel this contract at any time upon written notice given thirty (30) days in advance. If during the performance of the contract, the consultant violates any local, state or federal law, the University reserves the right to cancel this contract immediately. The University will give written documentation to the contractor as to the reason for cancellation. Authorized services performed for the University will be paid for through the cancellation date with the exception of illegal acts.
Award will result in a Technical and General Services contract between ATU and awardee. This contact will require Arkansas Legislative Committee review and approval prior to effective date. Sample is attached.
This RFP may be utilized for cooperative purchasing in accordance with Arkansas Code §19-11-249.
