Campus Master Planning Professional Services

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
RFQ 26-02
FOR
CAMPUS MASTER PLANNING
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
FOR
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS
Submission Date/Time:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
@ 11:00 a.m.

RFQ 26-02 JSU Campus Master Planning Services
Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION: Jackson State University's (JSU) Division of Campus
Operations is soliciting Statements of Qualifications for selection of a firm ("Master Planner")
to provide Master Planning Services for the development of a ten-year campus Master Plan
in accordance with the terms, conditions, and requirements set forth in this Request for
Qualifications (RFQ). JSU is referred to in this RFQ as "Owner".
1.1 Collecting Statements of Qualifications in response to this RFQ is the first step in
selecting a Master Planner. This RFQ provides the information necessary for respondents
to prepare and submit Statements of Qualifications for consideration and initial ranking
by JSU. In the next step JSU will determine an initial ranking of the respondents. If the
initial ranking of the respondents is reasonably conclusive, JSU may make a "most
qualified" selection based upon the written Qualifications only. If not, then the JSU may
conduct interviews with a "short list" of respondents.
1.2 JSU may select up to five (5) of the top ranked qualified respondents to participate in an
interview to confirm and clarify the qualifications submitted and to answer additional
questions. JSU will then rank the interviewed respondents in order to determine a single
most qualified respondent.
1.3 After selecting the most qualified respondent JSU will negotiate the detailed professional
services to be provided by the Master Planner and a suitable fee for those services.
1.1 TYPE OF CONTRACT: Any contract resulting from this solicitation will be negotiated
between the Owner and the successful firm, based on a scope of services and fee to be
agreed upon by the parties. General information regarding the probable scope of services
is contained in this RFQ.
1.2 CLARIFICATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS: Any clarifications or interpretations of
this RFQ that materially affect or change its requirements will be posted by the Owner as
an addendum on all media channels where it was initially advertised. It is the responsibility
of all respondents to obtain this information in a timely manner. All such addenda issued
by the Owner before the proposals are due as part of the RFQ, and respondents shall
acknowledge receipt of and incorporate each addendum in its Qualifications. Respondents
shall consider only those clarifications and interpretations that the Owner issues by
addenda five (5) days prior to the submittal deadline. Interpretations or clarifications in any
other form, including oral statements, will not be binding on the Owner and should not be
relied on in preparing Qualifications.
1.3 SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS:
1.3.1 The qualifications must be received at the address specified prior to the deadline.
The Owner will not consider any response to this solicitation that is not received at
the address specified by the deadline, regardless of whether it has been received
elsewhere on JSU's campus.

RFQ 26-02 JSU Campus Master Planning Services
Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
1.3.2 DEADLINE AND LOCATION: The Owner will receive Qualifications for RFQ
26-02 at the time and location described below.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m. (CST)
Kimberly Harris, Director of Procurement Services
Administrative Tower, Floor 4
1400 J. R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217
Phone: 601-979-0978
Email: kimberly.r.harris@jsums.edu
Any addendum associated with this RFQ will be posted at
https://www.jsums.edu/finance/bidinformation/ located under RFQ 26-02. It is the
respondent's responsibility to assure that all addenda have been reviewed and, if
applicable, signed and returned.
1.3.3 Submit (2) electronic versions of the Qualification Package and HSP (HUB
Subcontracting Plan) flash drive format.
1.3.4 Submit (6) six identical copies of the Qualifications. An original signature must
be included on the respondent's "Execution of Offer" document submitted with
each copy.
1.3.5 Submit one (1) original and one (1) copy of the HUB Subcontracting Plan
(HSP) as separate attachments to the Qualifications as described in Section 1.13.
1.3.6 Qualifications and HSP materials received after the deadline will be returned to the
respondent unopened.
1.3.7 The Owner will not acknowledge or receive Qualifications that are delivered by
telephone, facsimile (fax), or electronic mail (e-mail).
1.3.8 Properly submitted Qualifications will not be returned to respondents.
1.3.9 Qualification, financial statements (see Section 3.2.2) and HSP materials must be
enclosed in a sealed envelope (box or container) addressed to the Point-of-Contact
person; the package must clearly identify the submittal deadline, the RFQ
number, and the name, return address and email address of the respondent
contact on all envelopes.
1.4 POINT-OF-CONTACT: JSU designates the following person as its representative and
Point-of-Contact for this RFQ. Respondents shall restrict all contact with the Owner and
direct all questions regarding this RFQ, including questions regarding terms and conditions
and technical specifications, to the Point-of-Contact person by email only:

RFQ 26-02 JSU Campus Master Planning Services
Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
Kimberly Harris
Director of Procurement Services
Office of Purchasing and Travel
Email : kimberly.r.harris@jsums.edu
1.5 EVALUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS: The evaluation of the Qualifications shall be
based on the requirements described in this RFQ. All properly submitted Qualifications
will be reviewed, evaluated, and ranked by a Selection Committee appointed by the
President of Jackson State University. Typically, that committee will include both present
and future users of campus facilities developed by the project and by facilities professionals,
including representation from the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Board
office. The top five or fewer ranked respondents may be selected by the Owner for further
consideration by participating in an interview wherein qualifications will be presented and
examined in further detail and where questions will be posed by the Selection Committee
and answered by the respondent.
1.5.1 Qualifications submittals should not include any information regarding
respondent's proposed fees, pricing, or other compensation considerations as these
will not be a factor in the selection of the best qualified firm.
1.6 JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY'S RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: The Owner may
evaluate the Qualifications based on the anticipated completion of all or any portion of the
Project. The Owner reserves the right to divide the Project into multiple parts, to reject any
and all Qualifications and re-solicit for new Qualifications, or to reject any and all
submissions and temporarily or permanently abandon the Project. JSU makes no
representations, written or oral, that it will enter into any form of agreement with any
respondent to this RFQ for any project and no such representation is intended or should be
construed by the issuance of this RFQ.
1.7 ACCEPTANCE OF EVALUATION METHODOLOGY: By submitting its Qualifications
in response to this RFQ, respondent accepts the evaluation process and acknowledges and
accepts that determination of the "most qualified" firm(s) will require subjective judgments
by the Owner.
1.8 NO REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS: Respondent acknowledges and accepts that any
costs incurred from the respondent's participation in this RFQ shall be at the sole risk and
responsibility of the respondent.
1.9 PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE: There will be no pre-submittal conference conducted
for this selection process.
1.10 ELIGIBLE RESPONDENTS: Only individual firms or lawfully formed business
organizations may apply (This does not preclude a respondent from using consultants.) The
Owner will contract only with the individual firm or formal organization that submits a
Qualification.

RFQ 26-02 JSU Campus Master Planning Services
Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
1.11 STATE REGISTRATION OF ENGINEERING FIRMS: Respondents are advised that any
entity providing engineering services to the public must be registered with the Mississippi
Board of Professional Engineers. An entity is defined as a sole proprietorship, firm,
partnership, corporation or joint stock association.
STATE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS: Respondents are advised
that any entity (including architects, landscape architects and interior designers)
providing architectural services (including architects, landscape architects and interior
designers) to the public must be registered with the Mississippi Board of Architectural
Examiners. An entity is defined as a sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, corporation or
joint stock association.
1.11.1 Form M54: Submission must be accompanied by a completed and current Form
M54, Architect-Engineer Related Services Questionnaire. This document can be
found on the Bureau of Building, et al, web page: http://www.dfa.ms.gov/dfa-
offices/bureau-of-building-grounds-and-real-property-management/bob-forms-for-
aes-professionals/
1.11.2 Form M55: Submission must be accompanied by a completed and current Form
M55, Architect-Engineer Related Services for Specific Project. This document can
be found on the Bureau of Building, et al, web page: http://www.dfa.ms.gov/dfa-
offices/bureau-of-building-grounds-and-real-property-management/bob-forms-for-
aes-professionals/ M55 Item 7 must include entries for key personnel for the
following eight (8) project assignments:
KEY PRINCIPLE - will be totally responsible for the work to be provided.
1. ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MONITORING - will be
responsible for periodic review and adjustment of building control systems.
2. UTILITY CONSUMPTION MONITORING - will be responsible for
monthly review and reporting of utility data to State Energy Management &
Control including recommendations for savings.
3. DESIGN PROFESSIONAL - will be responsible for overall design and
planning of any mechanical and/or energy reduction projects.
4. CONTRACT DRAWINGS - will be responsible for the actual production
of the contract drawings for any mechanical and/or energy reduction projects.
5. CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS - will be responsible for the actual
preparation of contract specifications for any mechanical and/or energy
reduction projects.
6. PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
PREPARATION - will be responsible for the procurement process and
preparation of any construction award contracts.
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION - will be responsible for construction
observation of any mechanical and/or energy reduction projects. As required
but not less than twice a month during the course of any project.
7. JOINT VENTURE - if your entity is proposing a joint venture (partnership
/ collaboration / etc.) - please list same in the M55 Box 3 for Firm (or Joint
Venture) Name & Address. Before award, the Joint Venture will need a
Federal ID number and registration at the Mississippi Secretary of State.

RFQ 26-02 JSU Campus Master Planning Services
Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
Insurance requirements would be E&O for the Joint Venture entity but
individual firm Workers Comp policies would be acceptable.
SECTION 2 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Jackson State University has a distinguished history, rich in the
tradition of educating young men and women for leadership, having undergone seven name changes
as it grew and developed. Founded as Natchez Seminary in 1877 by the American Baptist Home
Mission Society, the school was established as Natchez, Mississippi "for the moral, religious and
intellectual improvement of Christian leaders of the colored people of Mississippi and the
neighboring states." In November 1882, the school was moved to Jackson; in March 1899, the
curriculum was expanded and the name was changed to Jackson College.
The state assumed support of the college in 1940, assigning to it the mission of training
teachers. Subsequently, between 1953 and 1956, the curriculum was expanded to include a graduate
program and bachelor's programs in the arts and sciences; the name was then changed to Jackson
State College in 1956. Further expansion of the curriculum and a notable building program preceded
the elevation of Jackson State College to university status on March 15, 1974. In 1979, Jackson State
was officially designated the Urban University of the State of Mississippi. Presently, Jackson State
University, a public, coeducational institution, is recognized as an R2 "Doctoral Universities: High
Research Activity" institution based on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher
Education." It is supported by legislative appropriations supplemented by student fees and federal
and private grants.
Jackson State University has a rich history of empowering diverse students to become leaders through
educational excellence. Today, we continue that tradition through our collaborative and
technologically advanced academic programs, while our urban location allows us to put learning into
practice by serving our communities. Our student-centered approach makes JSU feel like a home
away from home, and we offer a holistic college experience with numerous clubs, organizations,
athletic events, and other extracurricular activities for all Tigers to enjoy.
JSU is one of the leading HBCUs in the country for overall academics, and our STEM program is
ranked #5 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). With our interdisciplinary curriculum model,
students have access to train in a variety of fields, which further prepares them for the next career
move.
2.1 MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of Jackson State University, an HBCU and
comprehensive urban research university, is to provide quality teaching, research and
service at the baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels to diverse populations
of students and communities using various modalities to ensure that they are
technologically-advanced, ethical, global leaders who think critically and can address
societal problems and compete effectively.
2.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION, SCOPE AND BUDGET:
JSU expects the selected firm to employ an integrated planning approach in developing the
Campus Master Plan. This approach should align physical campus development with the
university's academic, financial, and strategic planning efforts. The master planning

RFQ 26-02 JSU Campus Master Planning Services
Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
process should actively engage diverse stakeholders from across the institution, including
academic affairs, student services, facilities management, finance, and information
technology. By fostering collaboration between these traditionally siloed areas, the plan
will ensure that physical space decisions support and enhance JSU's overall mission and
goals. The integrated approach should also consider external factors such as community
relations, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements, resulting in a
comprehensive and forward-thinking plan that addresses the complex, interconnected
needs of a modern university campus.
2.3 In general, the completed Campus Master Plan will have the following outline and will
consist of the elements listed. The existing Master Plan is available for review and actual
scope of services of the Master Planner along with a detailing of the services and effort to be
provided by Jackson State University will be the subject of negotiation prior to the signing
of an Agreement for the Campus Master Plan.
2.3.1 Investigation and Assessment of Existing Conditions
2.3.1.1 Planning Methodology for the Campus Master Plan
2.3.1.2 Campus Land Use
2.3.1.3 Building Use and Conditions
2.3.1.4 Open Space and Pedestrian Circulation
2.3.1.5 Vehicular Circulation and Parking
2.3.1.6 Academic Programs
2.3.1.7 Student Enrollment Patterns
2.3.1.8 Community Physical Relationships
2.3.1.9 Regulatory and Environmental Issues
2.3.1.10 Athletic and Recreational Facilities
2.3.1.11 Campus Infrastructure
2.3.1.12 Landscape Character
2.3.1.13 Architectural Design Character
2.3.2 Future Campus Requirements and Projections
2.3.2.1 Future Academic Programs
2.3.2.2 Student Enrollment Assumptions
2.3.2.3 Faculty and Staff Projections
2.3.2.4 Academic Space Projections
2.3.2.5 Support Facilities Projections
2.3.2.6 Parking Space Projections
2.3.2.7 Campus Infrastructure Projections
2.3.2.8 Proposed Land Acquisitions/Disposals
2.3.2.9 Student Housing
2.3.2.10Auxiliary Facilities
2.3.3 Recommended 2025-2035 Campus Master Plan
2.3.3.1 Land and Building Use
2.3.3.2 Historical Preservation Planning (if appropriate)
2.3.3.3 Open Space and Pedestrian Circulation
2.3.3.4 Landscape and Landscape Design Guidelines
2.3.3.5 Vehicular Circulation and Parking
2.3.3.6 On-Campus Residential
2.3.3.7 Campus Infrastructure

RFQ 26-02 JSU Campus Master Planning Services
Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
2.3.3.8 Architectural Design Guidelines
2.3.3.9 Comprehensive Plan
2.3.3.10 Cost Estimates for Building, Infrastructure and Site Improvements
2.3.3.11 Capital Improvement Program and Phasing Plan
2.4 PROJECT PLANNING SCHEDULE: Tentative key Project planning schedule milestones:
2.4.1 RFQ Submittal Questions Deadline.........................................08/31/2026
2.4.2 JSU Responses to RFQ Questions......................................................09/09/2026
2.4.3 JSU receives Request for Qualifications...........................................09/23/2026
2.4.3 JSU Notification of interviews Respondents (if applicable) ..........10/07/2026
2.4.4 Contract Development.................................................October/November 2026
2.4.5 Approval IHL Board Approval.......................................................January 2027
2.4.6 JSU executes Agreement..................................................January 2027
The actual detailed schedule for all production elements of the Project will be the subject
of the scope and fee negotiations concluded between Jackson State University and the
Master Planner prior to executing the Agreement.
SECTION 3 - REQUIREMENTS FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
Respondents shall carefully read the information contained in the following criteria and submit a
complete Statement of Qualifications to all questions in Section 3 formatted as directed in Section
4. Incomplete Qualifications will be considered non-responsive and subject to rejection. In this
Section, references to "Prime Firm" shall mean the Master Planner.
3.1 CRITERION ONE: RESPONDENT'S STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS AND
AVAILABILITY TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT (Maximum of two (2) printed pages
per question)
3.1.1 Provide a statement of interest for the project including a narrative describing the
Prime Firm's and Project Team's unique qualifications as they pertain to this
particular project.
3.1.2 Provide a brief history of the Prime Firm and each consultant proposed for the
project.
3.1.3 Provide a graphic representation of the project team, identifying the Prime Firm
and each consultant proposed for the project.
3.1.4 Provide a statement on the availability and commitment of the Prime Firm
and its principal(s) and assigned professionals to undertake the project.

RFQ 26-02 JSU Campus Master Planning Services
Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
3.2 CRITERION TWO: PRIME FIRM'S ABILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES
3.2.1 Provide the following information for the Prime Firm:
3.2.1.1 Legal name of the company as registered with the Secretary State of
Mississippi.
3.2.1.2 Address of the office that will be providing services.
3.2.1.3 Number of years in business.
3.2.1.4 Type of Operation (Individual, Partnership, Corporation, Joint Venture, etc.).
3.2.1.5 Number of Employees by skill group.
3.2.1.6 Annual revenue totals for the past ten (10) years.
3.2.2 Provide the three (3) most recent audited financial statements documenting Master
Planner's financial stability. If audited statements are not available, so state and
provide recent financial statements with a cover letter from your CPA. Provide this
information in a separate sealed envelope marked "Confidential Financial
Information."
3.2.2.1 This will not be counted as part of the 50-page limit referenced in Section
4.1.2. Do not include this information in the electronic file submission.
3.2.3 Is your company currently for sale or involved in any transaction to expand or to
become acquired by another business entity? If yes, please explain the impact both
in organizational and directional terms.
3.2.4 Provide any details of all past or pending litigation or claims filed against your
company that would affect your company's performance under a Contract with the
Owner.
3.2.5 Is your company currently in default on any loan agreement or financing agreement
with any bank, financial institution, or other entity? If yes, specify date(s), details,
circumstances, and prospects for resolution.
3.2.6 Does any relationship exist by relative, business associate, capital funding
agreement, or any other such kinship between your firm and any Jackson State
University employee, officer or IHL staff or Board member? If so, please explain.
3.3 CRITERION THREE: PROJECT TEAM'S ABILITY TO PROVIDE MASTER
PLANNING SERVICES
3.3.1 Describe, in graphic and written form, the proposed project assignments and lines
of authority and communication for principals and key professional members of the
team that will be involved in the project. Indicate the estimated percent of time
these individuals will be involved in the project.
3.3.2 Provide resumes giving the experience and expertise of the professional members
for each person that will be involved in the project, including their experience with
similar projects, the number of years with the firm, and their city of residence.

RFQ 26-02 JSU Campus Master Planning Services
Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
3.3.3 Clearly identify the members of the proposed team who worked on the listed
projects in Criterion 3.4, and describe their roles in those projects.
3.3.4 Describe the basis for the selection of any proposed sub-consultants included in the
master planning team and the role each will play for this project.
3.3.5 Describe the Prime Firm's process in working with consultants and integrating
them into the master planning process.
3.4 CRITERION FOUR: RESPONDENT'S PERFORMANCE ON PAST
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
3.4.1 List a maximum of five (5) master planning projects for which you have provided
services that are most related to this project. List the projects in order of priority,
with the most relevant project listed first. Previous JSU projects and/or any other
state-funded projects or projects for institutions of higher education are preferred.
Provide the following information for each project listed:
3.4.1.1 Project name, location, and description.
3.4.1.2 General description of the scope of the master planning effort involved in
the project, including gross square footage of improvements, infrastructure
and other aspects of the plan.
3.4.1.3 Description of services Prime Firm provided for the project.
3.4.1.4 Name of Project Principal/Manager (individual responsible to the Jackson
State University for the overall success of the project).
3.4.1.5 Name of Project Planner (individual responsible for coordinating the day to
day work) Consultants.
3.4.2 References (for each project listed above, identify the following):
3.4.2.1 The Owner's name and representative who served as the day-to-day liaison
during the life of the project (include telephone number).
3.4.2.2 Length of business relationship with the Owner.
3.4.3 References shall be considered relevant based on specific project participation and
experience with the Respondent. The Owner may contact references during any
part of this process. JSU reserves the right to contact any other references at any
time during the RFQ process.
3.5 CRITERION FIVE: RESPONDENT'S KNOWLEDGE OF BEST PRACTICES
3.5.1 Describe your firm's philosophy, methodology, and process for master planning.
3.5.2 Describe your project team's demonstrated technical competence and qualifications
with institutional planning projects, particularly those for higher education.