The University of Iowa in the USA has received a number of qualifications in response to the RFQ issued earlier. The university is planning to move ahead with the concession procedure and planning to issue Request for proposals to the qualified vendors in summer 2019. University didn't specify any dates for the announcement of qualified vendors and didn't disclose the number of qualifications received. 

The university has earlier communicated that it was expecting interest from 100-150 local and international firms. Ahe selected vendor will operate the university’s utility system for at least 50 years, ensuring for itself a predictable cash-flow stream.

The agreement covers the operation and maintenance of the electrical systems, steam, domestic water, chilled water, sanitary and storm sewer, high-quality water, utility network maintenance, energy control center, environmental compliance, and related distribution systems serving the Main and Oakdale campuses, procurement of the utility systems’ required fuel/energy needs to optimize plant operation, ensure reliability and meet campus demand. UI utility powers and provides water to the entire university campus, located in Iowa City, and UI Hospitals & Clinics, comprising a power plant, water plant, three chilled water plants on the Main Campus, and satellite facilities at the Oakdale Campus.

University President Bruce Harreld said in a statement: “The potential partners in this next round have illustrated a commitment to our employees, ensuring the UI is coal-free by 2025 and the additional responsibilities we outlined toward a sustainable future.”

University spokeswoman Anne Bassett said: “The UI won’t know the value of the utility system P3 until the RFP process is completed and a concessionaire agreement is signed.”