The University of Iowa (UI) is exploring the possibility of a public-private partnership (P3) for the operation and maintenance of its utility system. 

The UI Utilities system 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.

UI intends to enter into a professional services agreement for the operation of the utility system for up to 50 years. The selected operator will explore new sources of bio-fuels creating sustainable, lower-cost fuel options, with the aim of operating the plant without burning coal no later than 1 January 2025.

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the project will be released on 1 April 2019, followed by an RFP in early June. The university aims to select a private partner in early fall (autumn).