It has emerged that Michigan State University (MSU) is financing the development of the Grand Rapids Research Center, a new biomedical research facility extending more than 162,000 square feet near downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

The university initially planned to deliver the center through a public-private partnership (P3). A Request for Qualifications for the project was issued in April 2014, followed by a Request for Proposals in June 2014, which attracted three final bids. 

MSU's project committee reviewed the proposals assisted by a team of outside experts, and concluded that the centre could be delivered at a lower cost if financed by the university. A key determining factor is the public institution's access to non-tax bonding. MSU also used donations to fund the project.

Separate contracts for the design, engineering and construction of the research center were then awarded to local firms.