Texas Human Resources Code - HUM RES § 242.052. Buildings and Improvements

(a) The department may design, construct, equip, furnish, and maintain buildings and improvements at facilities under the department's jurisdiction.

(b) The department may employ architects or engineers, or both, to prepare plans and specifications and to supervise the construction and improvements described by Subsection (a).

(c) The board shall promulgate rules relating to the award of contracts for the construction of buildings and improvements.  The rules shall provide for the award of contracts for the construction of buildings and improvements to the qualified bidder making the lowest and best bid.  A construction contract may not be awarded for a sum in excess of the amount of funds available for the project.  The department may reject any and all bids submitted.

(d) If a project is financed wholly or partly by federal funds, any standards required by the enabling federal statute or required by the rules of the administering federal agency control over this section.

(e) The department may employ professional, technical, and clerical personnel to carry out the design and construction functions required by this section.