RFP 26-40 Innovation and Commercialization Park Property Sale

THIS IS NOT
AN ORDER
REQUEST FOR BIDS/PROPOSALS COVERSHEET
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Procurement and Contract Services
118 College Drive #5003, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001
Date: April 6, 2026
Name: ____________________________________
RFP No. 26-40
Company: _________________________________
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI is considering
Address: __________________________________ the purchase of the following item(s). We ask that you submit your
bid and retain one copy for your files. Right is reserved to accept or
reject any part of your bid. Your quotation will be given
City/State/Zip:______________________________ consideration if received in Bond Hall, Room 214 on or before:
2:00 p.m. CST
TERMS - Bidder should state terms of sale. Our terms are 2% ten days, net 45 days.
May 6, 2026
These terms will apply per Mississippi law.
AWARDING CONTRACT - Cash terms will not be used as a basis for awarding
Buyer: Deidre Edwards
contracts; however, the University will accept cash discounts when earned.
ITEM QUANTITY UNIT PRICE TOTAL NET PRICE
DESCRIPTION
RFP 26-40
USM Innovation and Commercialization Park
Property Sale
PROPOSAL MUST BE RETURNED TO THE UNIVERSITY IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS. RFP NUMBER AND
DATE OF BID OPENING MUST BE SHOWN ON THE OUTSIDE OF
THE ENVELOPE IF USING THAT METHOD.
We quote you as above-F.O.B. The University of Southern Mississippi. Shipment can be made in days from receipt of
order. DATE ______________ TERMS _____________________________________________
Return quotation to Procurement Services at above address.
Signature Required
__________________________________________
AA/EOE/ADAI

April 6, 2026
To: Site Developers and Business Owners
RE: University of Southern Mississippi- Innovation and Commercialization Park
(ICP) Request for Proposals
The University of Southern Mississippi ("USM", "The University") requests written
proposals on the sale or lease of up to +/- 36 acres south of Lake Sehoy located
on the USM Innovation and Commercialization Park. The Site is owned by the
University which intends to sell or lease it to the Developer/Company.
The property is located in the USM Innovation and Commercialization Park and
part of Sections 35 and 36, Township 5 North, Range 14 West, Forrest County,
Mississippi. Parcel sizes range from +/- 8.47 acres to +/- 18.06 acres, and in
combination total +/- 36 acres.
The proposal should contain a Multi-Use Development Plan containing an
advanced technology headquarters and/or advanced manufacturing,
greenspace, limited residential, and conservation area buffers consistent with the
USM-ICP Work, Live, Play Masterplan strategy. The Development Plan will
describe the development, financing, design, construction, and operation of all
property contained within the plan. Public-accessible recreational areas,
amphitheater, cafe, and/or Lodge with cabins located on the University's property
are not required as part of the Development Plan, however, it is desired either
on-site or on an adjoining parcel. Proposals will be considered on a parcel-by-
parcel basis.
According to state law, the Site must be independently appraised by two
Mississippi licensed appraisers with at least one of the appraisers approved by
the Department of Finance and Administration. The value of the Site, as
established by the average of the two appraisals and listed on a per-square-foot
basis, will be the least amount that the university can accept for the property.
The University is committed to work in good faith to enable multi-use
development of the land.
Proposals are solicited in accordance with the terms, conditions, and instructions
as set forth in this RFP. The RFP and supporting documents are also available
online at https://www.thepolymerinstitute.com/rfp1. Statement of the Intent to
Propose is due April 16, 2026, and the Proposal submission is to be received
by 2:00 p.m., May 6, 2026.
We appreciate your interest.
Inquiries must be made in writing to: bids@usm.edu.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
26-40
PROPOSED INNOVATION PARK DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................
I - MULTI-USE DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW ................................................................................ 3
PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................ 3
Community Profile ............................................................................................................... 4
II - SITE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ............................................................................................. 7
SITE-SPECIFIC TOURISM ...................................................................................................... 7
SITE-SPECIFIC INNOVATION ................................................................................................ 8
SITE-SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................... 9
SITE-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................................... 10
DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS ..................................................................................... 11
INCENTIVES ...................................................................................................................... 12
III - RFP SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................... 13
GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 13
SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................ 14
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 14
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES ................................................................................................. 14
III-AWARD PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................... 16
SELECTION PROCESS ........................................................................................................ 16
EVALUATION CRITERIA ...................................................................................................... 17
SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS .................................................................................... 18
ATTACHMENT A: DECLARATION .......................................................................................... 20
ATTACHMENT B: FINANCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE ..................................................................... 21

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I - MULTI-USE DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW
PURPOSE
The RFP is a request for a proposal for a master Multi-Use Development Plan
proposals for the sale or lease of up to approximately 36 acres south of Lake
Sehoy located on the USM Innovation and Commercialization Park. The
successful proposal will contain an advanced technology company headquarters
and/or operating facility, greenspace, limited residential, and conservation area
buffers consistent with the USM-ICP "Work, Live, Play" masterplan strategy. The
University is seeking an innovative company or developer ("the Developer") to
engage in this economic development initiative, which is a high priority for USM.
The ICP Park land has significant potential to generate short-term and long-term
income for the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Any development will
produce positive impacts to USM, the local economy of Hattiesburg, the five
county Pine Belt Region and the state of Mississippi.
The goal of the Plan is to create livability by connecting people to an innovative
ecosystem for living, work, recreation, environmental preservation, and sense of
community, all with ease of walking and biking. The outcome of this project will
embody the six livability principles to achieve sustainable communities: 1)
Develop safe, reliable, and economical transportation choices to decrease
household transportation costs, reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil,
improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote public
health, 2) Expand location- and energy-efficient housing choices, 3) Enhance
economic competitiveness, 4) increase community revitalization and the
efficiency of public works investments and safeguard rural landscapes, 5)
Coordinate and leverage federal policies and investment, and 6) Enhance the
unique characteristics of all communities by investing in healthy, safe, and
walkable neighborhoods Community Smart Growth.
This first major multi-use development is expected to catalyze other high-quality
developments within the USM Innovation and Commercialization Park and is a
critical ingredient to serve the University's needs and to play an important role in
creating a thriving innovative neighborhood. Respondents are encouraged to
propose an integrated multi-use plan.
The USM ICP Master Plan
A group of major stakeholders including Forrest County, the City of Hattiesburg,
Lamar Country, and USM, with the aid of Dale Partners created a comprehensive
development plan for the 506-acre Innovation and Commercialization Park which
was completed in 2022. The ICP Park is a research and technology park in the
City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi that is owned by the Mississippi Board of
Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and controlled by The University
of Southern Mississippi. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is

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an R1 university, designated as "Doctoral Universities - Very high research
activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This
R1 classification signifies that USM conducts a high level of research activity, a
mark of distinction for the institution, and relevant to the development of the ICP
Park.
The Master Plan is accessible at https://www.thepolymerinstitute.com/rfp1
Community Profile
Hattiesburg is in Southeast Mississippi, about 110 miles northeast of New
Orleans, LA, 70 miles north of the MS Gulf Coast, and 90 miles southeast of
Jackson, MS. Interstate 59 connects Hattiesburg to New Orleans to the south
and to Meridian, Birmingham and Chattanooga to the north.
Known as The Hub City, Hattiesburg is the economic, educational, and cultural
center of a fast-growing metropolitan area of nearly 154,000 residents with
proximity to a larger population of over 700,000 people within a 60-mile radius.
Anchored by two major universities, The University of Southern Mississippi and
William Carey University, the region boasts a young, educated, and diverse
workforce with a median age of 33 and almost 60% of the City of Hattiesburg's
population made up of Millennials and Gen Z. With an average household
income of approximately $81,000 across the MSA, the area continues to attract
both talent and investment, fueling an ecosystem where innovation,
entrepreneurship, and collaboration converge.
Strategically located along the I-59 corridor, Hattiesburg offers unmatched
connectivity to major metros along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jackson, Mobile
and New Orleans, making it a natural hub for commerce, talent, and innovation.
The area blends the vibrancy of a university town with the welcoming charm of a
southern community, offering award-winning restaurants, a growing arts and
music scene, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Hattiesburg was
founded in 1882. The community's history and economy are rich in higher
education, military activity, and healthcare. Over the last decade, manufacturing
has consistently grown 10-15% and is a target growth sector for the region,
currently representing 7% of the total employment pool.

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Figure 1. Courtesy of the Area Development Partnership
Higher Education: The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey
University are in Hattiesburg, MS with a total 2024 enrollment of approximately
20,000. Hattiesburg is also home to Pearl River Community College which hosts
approximately 6000 students over 3
* USM, employs approximately 2,400 people, is 5 miles from the Site and
offers more than 180 degree programs leading to baccalaureate, master's,
specialist, and doctoral degrees. Top programs include cyber security,
education, music, nursing, and polymer science and engineering. USM's
17 sports programs participate in NCAA Division I athletics and are
members of the Sun Belt Conference.
* William Carey University (WCU), 8 miles from the site, is known for its
strong professional health programs, including its College of Osteopathic
Medicine and School of Nursing. The university was ranked first among
Mississippi's four-year schools by Money.com in 2025.
* Pearl River Community College's Hattiesburg campus is 9 miles from the
site and is known as the first two-year college in MS, with consistently
strong national rankings. Over 1350 students are enrolled in degree
programs supporting skilled occupations in Healthcare, Manufacturing,

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Construction, Business, and Technology sectors. They play a critical role
in workforce training for area companies.
* Additionally, Jones County Community College is 24 miles from the site.
Fall 2025 enrollment was over 5000. Jones College is known for strong
academic programs, diverse career and technical education programs,
and national championships in football, basketball, and softball. Liberal
arts, registered nursing, electrician programs, and workforce training are
popular curriculums.
Military Activity: Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center is located just south
of Hattiesburg. It is the largest state-owned training site in the nation and the
largest reserve component training site, covering over 134,000 acres. It brings a
significant economic impact, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually
to the state and local community through operations, payroll, and the thousands
of National Guard and Reserve troops who train there annually.
Key entities work to attract defense-related businesses, support military families,
and integrate military assets into the broader regional economic strategy,
leveraging the substantial defense spending that flows into Mississippi's
economy. These entities include Mission 3 and The Governor's Office of Military
Affairs (GOMA). Mission 3 is a new public-private nonprofit defense community
support organization formed at the state level (funded by the Mississippi
Development Authority) to strengthen military installations across South
Mississippi, including Camp Shelby, expand economic opportunities, and foster
community unity around defense priorities. The Governor's Office of Military
Affairs (GOMA) is housed within the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA)
and works to support and expand military missions within the state, increase
defense spending, and improve the communities that support military families
and businesses.
Healthcare: There are three large healthcare entities within Hattiesburg,
employing approximately 6800 employees, all within six miles of the site: Forrest
General Hospital, Hattiesburg Clinic, and Wesley Merit Healthcare. In
combination, 759 hospital beds, a wide range of specialties and comprehensive
care exists: behavioral, cancer, heart failure care, neurology, neonatal,
rehabilitation, hospice, and over 40 more specialty areas.
Manufacturing: Global businesses make up the manufacturing footprint in
Hattiesburg because of a diverse and robust logistics network, a pro-business
government, and access to a skilled workforce with a strong work ethic. Over
4800 employees are part of 104 manufacturing businesses that produced $0.7B
GDP in 2024. Manufacturing products include engines, industrial components,
plastic products, wood and paper products, food products, and specialty
chemicals.
Centrally located between all major Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
metropolitan areas, ample transportation solutions for employees and goods
exist: 5 nearby airports, 3 class 1 rail lines, and 3 shipping ports.
Twelve miles from the site at hand is a 2155-acre site, Eagle One, being
developed to attract up to four high quality industrial companies. $32M has been

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invested to date, and future occupation is certain to bring many opportunities to
the area.
The Area Development Partnership (ADP) is greater Hattiesburg's regional
chamber of commerce and offers its services to support growth in the region. For
additional area information, contact the ADP at 1.601.310.8673 or
http://www.theadp.com/ .
Quality of Place: With high-quality fields and arenas, thousands of hotel rooms,
nearly 200 locally owned restaurants, award-winning attractions, and a vibrant art
scene, Hattiesburg is where sports happen. The "Hub City" is drivable from much
of the Southeast. Area facilities offer world-class experiences to tens of
thousands of youth and collegiate players, coaches, and fans each year. The
city's outdoor offerings also provide the perfect landscape for cycling, running, or
water events. Experience exceptional sports facilities and Southern hospitality in
Hattiesburg, where the Visit HATTIESBURG team and partners ensure easy
travel and memorable experiences for teams and spectators. Football, track and
field, disc golf, e-sports, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, golf, swimming,
equestrian, gymnastics, and more are all within easy reach. As an Amtrak-
connected city and a Certified Retirement Community, Hattiesburg offers
accessibility, affordability, and family-friendly fun-turning every sporting event
into a seamless getaway and every visit into an invitation to stay longer.
Figure 2. and Quality of Place courtesy of Visit Hattiesburg, https://www.visithburg.org/
II - SITE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
SITE-SPECIFIC TOURISM
The 506-acre Innovation and Commercialization Park (ICP) has had notable
recreational growth in the last three years. The 100 acres surrounding Lake
Sehoy is home to a challenge course, disc golf course, mountain biking trails,
and a cross-country track which brings in 1000's of people throughout the year.

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* The Lake Sehoy Championship Disc Golf Course is being continually
developed aiming for a professional circuit course by 2027. The course brings
daily foot traffic, and over the last two years, 850 unique players have played
over 3000 rounds on the course. The course has attracted people from 2
countries and 27 US states. Two Spring 2025 tournaments had a total of 180
competitors, and the annual Big Rip Tournament is slated for November
2025.
* Cross country races also continue to break annual records and held their first
statewide meet in October of 2024 with 600 runners (ages 8-18) and over
1000 attendees. Two fall 2025 meets are scheduled and expecting larger
participation.
* The 8.5-mile trail bike course "The Accelerator" held its first 3 and 6-hour
"Eagle Epic" endurance bike race November 2024 with 75 racers and
approximately ~250 total attendees from MS, TX, FL, AL, and LA.
* The USM low ropes challenge course attracts ~200 participants per year for
team building exercises. While a zip line is in place, certification and
management costs prohibit use at this time, but should be highlighted as an
additional opportunity for future enrichment.
Within 1 mile west of the site is the Hattiesburg Country Club, a formal access
point for the 44-mile Longleaf Trace, and Jed's Perfect Endurance Bikes & Brew
with showers and accoutrements 2.5 miles away and directly across from the
Longleaf Trace Jackson Road Station.
Two miles due east of the site lies the Meador Homestead, an 1885 log cabin
Bed & Breakfast, and two hotel/lodges adjacent to the I-59 Interchange:
Candlewood Suites (2-star, 109 rooms) and Doubletree by Hilton (3-star, 138
rooms).
With the protected recreational space, additional points of attraction such as an
amphitheater and Lodge with detached eco-cabins would offer a unique and
premier experience for nature lovers and professional retreats while providing a
diversified ecotourism economic development opportunity.
SITE-SPECIFIC INNOVATION
Within the Park is the 60,000-sqft technology business incubator known as The
Accelerator, designed to grow the footprint of Mississippi's advanced-materials
businesses. The Accelerator contains fitted leasable spaces and houses 12 start-
ups, 2 established anchor tenant companies, 3 USM application-oriented entities
including the technical service provider, The Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI).
Collectively, the Accelerator provides 41 full time and 28 part time jobs and has
an annual economic impact of $14M+ including products produced.

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MPI is strategically growing entrepreneur support services and annually hosts a
public business pitch event attracting both bankable and investable business
initiatives, which provides a pathway to the Microsoft(TM) CoBuilders(TM) 12-wk
business accelerator program through Innovate MS which ends with
presentations to a large field of investors.
Additionally, MPI is creating a working demonstration site for clean tech energy
alternatives and sustainable materials to facilitate commercial adoption of
advanced technologies and materials.
As part of the development of the park, a $3.6M grant from the Mississippi
Development Authority is enabling site preparation of a 22 to 33-acre site
targeting light advanced manufacturing companies. Site preparation will be
completed in 2025.
SITE-SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION
At the heart of this dynamic region, the Innovation and Commercialization Park
(ICP), locally also known as The Garden, is where research, technology, and
industry meet. USM is requesting proposals involving the sale or lease of
approximately 36 acres south of Lake Sehoy within the Park.
The Garden's proximity to USM's vibrant academic and research community
further enriches its value, offering unparalleled access to resources, talent, and
collaboration opportunities in a technology-focused environment. The park offers
an abundance of natural assets and public outdoor recreational uses, with
underground utilities, 4-lane curb and gutter roads and a new multi-use path.
The Innovation and Commercialization Park (ICP) is located just northwest of the
I-59/HWY-49 interchange and four miles to the northwest corner of the campus
of The University of Southern Mississippi.
The Park is approximately 506 acres total including roadways and public or
common spaces. Located in the northwest quadrant of the City of Hattiesburg,
the site was selected from three sites originally considered based on a market
feasibility and site analysis study prepared in 2001 by Hammer, Siler, George
Associates. It is currently considered a Premier Development Site by the
Mississippi Development Authority.
The site historically was the Van Hook Golf Course owned by the University of
Southern Mississippi. The course was named for the Mississippi Sports Hall of
Famer B.O. Van Hook. As the USM Golf Course, it was fondly known as "The
Ranch". The golf course closed in 2004. USM maintains several small buildings
on the site for working demonstrations and lab use along with the 60,000 sqft
technology incubator, "The Accelerator ", which opened in 2010.