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The University of Maine System (UMS) is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for site selection and amenities for its ESP 150 Field Immersion Course. The course focuses on environmental science field skills and requires a location with natural and developed habitats, including forest, soil, wildlife, and aquatic systems, suitable for orienteering, surveying, hiking, and canoeing. Respondents must be located preferably within a 25-mile or 45-minute drive from the USM Gorham, ME campus. The selected contractor will be required to sign a 5-year contract with an option for a 5-year renewal. UMS is committed to increasing opportunities for diverse businesses. Specific requirements include availability for identified weekends in 2026, 2027, and 2028, with specific check-in and check-out times. The site should accommodate up to 50 guests for lodging, with options for multiple and single occupancy, and provide meals with accommodation for dietary restrictions. Access to a commercial kitchen, large room/hall for meals and teaching, private meeting spaces, and audiovisual equipment are preferred. Access to the site prior to each weekend for planning purposes is also required. Responses are to be submitted electronically by May 27, 2026, 11:59 PM EST to ***@***. *. * evaluation criteria include submission form completion, organization, qualifications, experience, references, and master agreement acceptance. The university intends to award multiple contracts, and a minimum score of 60 out of 100 is required for an award.
The deadline for proposal submission is May 27, 2026, 11:59 PM EST.
The award will be based on a 100-point scale, with evaluation categories including submission form completion (10 points), organization, qualifications, experience, and references (65 points), and master agreement acceptance (25 points). A minimum score of 60 points is required for an award.
Respondents must submit a completed RFQ package, including appendices for submission form completion, organization, qualifications, experience, references, and master agreement acceptance. Reference checks will be performed on top respondents.
Access to the site prior to each weekend for planning purposes is required to mark orienteering spots and tree species.
Respondents may appeal the award decision by submitting a written protest within five business days of the date of the award notice.