Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in U.S. is seeking competitive responses to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for developers to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain new student housing and other campus facilities through a public-private partnership.

This RFP will be implemented in the following three phases: 

• Phase 1: Qualifications Based Conceptual Stage 
• Phase 2: Detailed Stage
• Phase 3: Proposal Refinement Stage

Each phase will have its own evaluation process that TWU will use to establish a shortlist. Up to five proposers will be invited to participate in Phase 2 and at least two proposers will be invited to participate in Phase 3. The phases are described in more detail in subsequent sections of this RFP. 

Over the past ten years, TWU has experienced significant growth in enrollment, nearly doubling its student population. The University was recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education in 2013 as the 2nd fastest-growing public doctoral university in the United States.

The project includes the mandatory development of student housing and associated dining facilities. The project also includes the option to develop other campus facilities or refinance existing campus facilities if the addition of those components generates additional value to TWU. Future phases of student housing may also be considered through this RFP.

The project includes housing units and dining space on the northeast side of TWU’s Denton campus, adjacent to N Bell Avenue, just north of Pioneer Hall, and extending towards the existing golf course. Preliminary plans for the Project include 800 student housing beds, residential dining space, and associated parking.

In alignment with the stated objectives, the delivery of operations and maintenance for the project must be consistent with services currently provided on campus. There are four options that TWU will consider from Proposers for the delivery of operations and maintenance:

1. TWU will maintain and operate the Project and will be reimbursed for all costs by the Private Entity;
2. Private Entity will self-operate the development in alignment with TWU standards;
3. Private Entity will outsource to a third-party operator at the sole cost of the Private Entity. The third-party operator will provide a level of service consistent with TWU standards; or
4. A combination of any two (2) options listed above.

TWU seeks to retain the responsibility for residence life and programming, marketing, student billings, collections and room assignments for the project through TWU’s University Housing and Residence Life division. Therefore, these duties will not be included in the operations delivery approach provided by the Private Entity.

The project is scheduled to be completed and opened by the Fall of 2019. However, due to the increasing strain on existing campus housing facilities, TWU is interested in exploring the opportunity for a phased opening starting in January of 2019.

The deadline for submission of Phase 1 proposals is October 21, 2016.

For more information, visit our business opportunity website.