RFQ 2026-094 Site Selection USM Field Immersion Course

Location:	Maine
Posted:	May 26, 2026
Due:	Jun 10, 2026
Agency:	University of Maine
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	B - Special Studies and Analyses - Not R&D
Solicitation No:	2026-094
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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Administered by University of Maine System

Office of Strategic Procurement

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Site Selection USM Field Immersion Course

RFQ# 2026-094

Issued Date: May 6, 2026

Response Deadline Date/Time: May 27, 2026 11:59 p.m. EST

Response Submission and Inquiry Information:

Submitted electronically to UMSResponses@maine.edu

Email Subject Line – MM: USM Field Immersion Course - RFQ#2026-094

Response Contact Information:

Email: UMSResponses@maine.edu

Request for Qualifications – 2026-094 USM Field Immersion Course

Dated: May 6, 2026

Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Definitions, Background, Purpose and Specifications................................................. 3

1.2 General Information ............................................................................................................... 6

1.3 General Submission Provisions ....................................................................................... 10

2.0 EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS............................................................................... 12

2.1 Evaluation Criteria................................................................................................................ 12

2.2 Award....................................................................................................................................... 13

2.3 Tie Bids.................................................................................................................................... 13

2.4 Negotiations ........................................................................................................................... 13

2.5 Award Protest ........................................................................................................................ 14

3.0 RESPONSE FORMAT REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................. 14

3.1 General Format Instructions.............................................................................................. 14

3.2 Response Format Instructions ......................................................................................... 15

University of Maine System RFQ

Rev. 08/16/2023

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Request for Qualifications – 2026-094 USM Field Immersion Course

Dated: May 6, 2026

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Definitions, Background, Purpose and Specifications

1.1.1 Definitions

The University of Maine System will hereinafter be referred to as the "University."

Respondents to the document shall be referred to as "Respondent(s)” or

“Respondent”.

The Respondent to whom the Agreement is awarded shall be referred to as the

"Contractor."

The University of Maine System and other components of the University shall be

referred to as “Multi-Institution”.

1.1.2

Background

Overview

Established in 1968, the University of Maine System (UMS) unites six distinctive

public universities, comprising 10 campuses and numerous centers, in the

common purpose of providing quality higher education while delivering on its

traditional tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service.

A comprehensive public institution of higher education, UMS serves more than

30,000 students annually and is supported by the efforts of more than 2,000 full-

time and part-time faculty, more than 3,000 regular full-time and part-time staff,

and a complement of part-time temporary (adjunct) faculty.

Reaching more than 500,000 people annually through educational and cultural

offerings, the University of Maine System also benefits from more than two-thirds

of its alumni population residing within the state; more than 123,000 individuals.

The System consists of six universities: The University of Maine (UMaine),

including its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias (UMM); the

University of Maine at Augusta (UMA); the University of Maine at Farmington

(UMF); the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK), the University of Maine at

Presque Isle (UMPI); and the University of Southern Maine (USM). The System

also includes the University of Maine School of Law and the University of Maine

Graduate and Professional Center.

Campus thumbnails

University of Southern Maine

Known for its academic excellence and student focus, the University of Southern

Maine (USM) is a community-engaged university taking advantage of its three-

campus location in the economic and cultural heart of Maine to provide unmatched,

authentic, hands-on learning experiences. This gives our graduates a leg up in

launching their careers while at the same time meeting the workplace needs of our

region and state.

Our significant financial and academic support provides our students access to a

high quality education, helps ensure their success once they are here and enables

them to pursue and realize their dreams upon graduation.

University of Maine System RFQ

Rev. 08/16/2023

Page 3 of 15

Request for Qualifications – 2026-094 USM Field Immersion Course

Dated: May 6, 2026

Reflecting the community it serves, USM has become known as “the University of

Everyone,” welcoming a diverse mix of ages, backgrounds and income levels to

our 8,000 plus student body. Ranging from traditional high school graduates to

adults completing their degree, from high achievers to those who may not have

seen a college education in their future, from new Mainers to veterans who have

served our nation, the University of Southern Maine supports their academic

pursuits and encourages their advancement.

1.1.3

Purpose

The University of Southern Maine is seeking responses to provide site amenities

for its ESP 150 Field Immersion Course each September. This course is

designed to teach basic environmental science field skills in an intensive

weekend format with components on forest, soil, wildlife, and aquatic systems.

Basic orienteering and map reading, boating, dichotomous key use, and

community building are emphasized.

This document provides instructions for submitting responses, the procedure and

criteria by which the Respondent(s) will be selected, and the contractual terms

which will govern the relationship between the University and the awarded

Respondent(s).

Respondents should review 1.1.4 Specifications / Scope of Work of this

document to see the full Scope of Services/Products required.

Though this document is primarily for the University of Southern Maine, all

campuses in the University of Maine System must be afforded the use of this

solution, with all the same terms and conditions applicable to the various

University locations.

The University is seeking the following services to support the University.

Respondents that qualify will be the University’s preferred Contractor(s) to provide

services listed. As part of the qualification, the awarded Contractors will be

required to sign a contract for five (5) year with the option for an additional five (5)

year renewal.

The University is committed to providing increased access and opportunity to

diverse businesses include and not limited to: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and

Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTQ+BE); Minority Business Enterprise

(MBE); Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE); Small Business

Enterprise (SBE); veteran-owned; service-disabled veteran-owned; HUBZone;

small disadvantaged business; women-owned; minority-owned; Veteran Business

Enterprise (VBE); and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE).

1.1.4 Specifications / Scope of Work

The University of Southern Maine is seeking responses to provide site amenities

for its weekend ESP 150 Field Immersion Course each September.

Requirements and preferences are, but not limited to:

• Preferably within 25 miles and/or 45-minute drive from the USM Gorham, ME

campus.

University of Maine System RFQ

Rev. 08/16/2023

Page 4 of 15

Request for Qualifications – 2026-094 USM Field Immersion Course

Dated: May 6, 2026

• A combination of natural and developed habitats, ample to accommodate

orienteering instruction, topographical surveying & global positioning system

operation.

• Fields and woods (preferably hiking trails), and water with a diversity of tree

species and aquatic organisms.

• Accessible body of water for shoreline assessment and canoeing.

• Preferably, a lifeguard(s) available for recreational swimming if recreational

swimming is possible.

• Preferably provide approximately 8 canoes and paddles, or other boating

options, with appropriate life vests.

• Availability to commit to one of the identified weekends in 2026, 2027, and

2028, with the understanding that 2028 may be too far out to schedule. All

check-in times shall be 12 pm on a Friday, and all check-out times shall be 2

pm on a Sunday.

• 2026 Availability

• First preference: September 11th - September 13th

• Second preference: September 18th - September 20th

• 2027 Availability

• First preference: September 10th - September 12th

• Second preference: September 17th - September 19th

• 2028 Availability

• First preference: September 8th - September 10th

• Second preference: September 15th - September 17th

• Preferably, facilities would be reserved solely for this University group.

• Parking for up to 10 passenger vehicles.

• Lodging for up to 50 guests with multiple and single occupancy options.

• Provide meals with the ability to accommodate food restrictions (allergies,

gluten-free, etc.)

• 2 Breakfasts (Saturday and Sunday)

• 2-3 Lunch (optional on Friday, required on Saturday, optional on

Sunday)

• 2 Dinners (Friday and Saturday)

• Allow up to an additional 15 guests to attend a Friday or Saturday dinner

(guest count would max at 65).

• If not providing meals, access to a commercial kitchen for student use under

adult supervision and/or for catering.

• Access to a large room/hall for meals and teaching space as needed.

• Access to private meeting spaces for small groups.

• Preferably, audiovisual equipment for movies (screen, speakers, and DVD

player).

• Preferably outdoor campfire and cookout equipment.

• Access to the site prior to each weekend for planning purposes (mark

orienteering spots & tree species, etc.)

University of Maine System RFQ

Rev. 08/16/2023

Page 5 of 15

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

bid #	due date	due time	commodity	attachments	addenda
2026-094	10-Jun-2026	11:59 pm	RFQ 2026-094 Site Selection USM Field Immersion Course	RFQ 2026-094 Appendix D- Master Agreement RFQ 2026-094 Submission Form Package	RFQ 2026-094 Addendum 1