The University of Maine System (UMS) and the University of Southern Maine (USM) have issued the Request for Proposals (RFP) to Developers who have been selected to advance to the proposal phase of the selection process in connection with the System’s interest to develop new student housing and a new student center (the Project) on USM’s Portland campus.

The student housing and student center facilities will be co-located on the sites depicted in the USM Facilities Master Plan.  The residential component of the Project is anticipated to include approximately 550 beds to be designed, built, and potentially financed and/or operated by the Developer. The student center is anticipated to comprise approximately 55,000 to 60,000 gross square feet and will include dining, a bookstore/school store, career services, student affairs offices, and a radio station.

The University will collaborate with the selected Developer to explore a range of approaches to the project delivery, operations, and maintenance plans. The plans should concurrently achieve the most advantageous design, build, financing, operations, and maintenance outcomes for the University, consistent with public institution accounting standards set out by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. As possible, shared operating responsibilities (i.e., utilities, landscaping, cable, etc.) may be considered between current University service providers and the Developer if efficiencies or cost savings are achievable.

The deadline for the submission of the proposals is on September 13, 2019.