Administered by University of Maine System
Office of Strategic Procurement
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Carsharing Services
RFP #2026-082
Issued Date: March 13, 2026
Response Deadline Date/Time: April 9, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST
Response Submission Information:
Submitted electronically to UMSResponses@maine.edu
Email Subject Line – DH: Carsharing Services - RFP#2026-082
Response Contact Information:
Email: UMSResponses@maine.edu
Request for Proposal – Carshare Services
Dated: April 9, 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
Appendix A – University of Maine System Response Cover Page................................... 16
Appendix B – Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification...................... 17
Appendix C – Required Cost Evaluation Exhibits................................................................. 18
Appendix D – Master Agreement ............................................................................................... 20
Appendix D1 – Evaluation Question(s) – Master Agreement ............................................. 34
Appendix E – Organization Reference Form .......................................................................... 38
Appendix F – Evaluation Question(s) - Organization, Qualifications and Experience 39
University of Maine System RFP
Rev. 11/04/2025
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Request for Proposal – Carshare Services
Dated: April 9, 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 RFP
Rev. 11/04/2025
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Request for Proposal – Carshare Services
Dated: April 9, 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 Carsharing
Services as defined in this document. 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).
The University of Southern Maine (USM) is committed to achieving carbon
neutrality by 2040 and has identified transportation as a critical area for emissions
reduction. As part of this commitment, USM developed a Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) Plan focused on lowering carbon emissions, reducing traffic
congestion and parking demand, and expanding sustainable mobility options for
students, faculty, and staff. Introducing a campus carshare program is a key
initiative within this plan. The service would provide reliable, short-term vehicle
access for individuals who choose to bike, walk, carpool, or use public transit but
may need a vehicle for emergencies, academic commitments, employment,
medical appointments, or personal needs. By offering this mobility safety net, the
program increases users’ sense of security, safety, and comfort in not bringing a
personal vehicle to campus.
Carshare programs have proven effective at peer institutions in reducing single-
occupancy vehicle use and supporting multimodal transportation networks. At
USM, this initiative stems from strategic sustainability planning and aligns with
broader University goals related to environmental stewardship, access, and
community well-being. The University seeks a qualified partner to implement a
reliable and user-friendly carshare program that advances these objectives while
strengthening campus mobility.
Respondents should review 1.1.4 Specifications / Scope of Work of this
document to see the full Scope of Services/Products required.
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).
Though this document is primarily for 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.
University of Maine System RFP
Rev. 11/04/2025
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Request for Proposal – Carshare Services
Dated: April 9, 2026
1.1.4 Specifications / Scope of Work
Vehicles:
The University of Southern Maine (USM) is interested in starting with two
vehicles, as two to three vehicles are typical for university carshare programs.
Beginning with two vehicles would allow USM to assess demand and determine
whether a third vehicle is necessary. Vehicles should be available 24/7, as they
will be used by individuals in emergency situations who do not have access to a
personal vehicle. USM prefers four-door, five-seat sedans, but does not have a
preference for a specific make or model.
Location:
Carshare vehicles should be returned to campus after each use to ensure the
fleet remains balanced and to avoid potential rebalancing fees charged by the
carshare company. Keeping the vehicles on campus also ensures visibility and
access for students, staff, and faculty. The first floor of the commuter lot is an
ideal location due to weather protection, visibility, and safety. Snow removal
would generally not be a concern, however, if needed, USM would be
responsible for snow removal.
Accessibility and Maintenance:
The company must allow users who are 18 years or older to participate, as this is
essential for serving the majority of students. The carshare company will be fully
responsible for vehicle maintenance as well as regular and consistent monitoring
of the vehicles.
The proposed location for housing the vehicles would be in the parking garage
within the red box.
University of Maine System RFP
Rev. 11/04/2025
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This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.