RFQ 2026-045 Fundraising Consulting Services; Maine Graduate and Professional Center

Administered by University of Maine System
Office of Strategic Procurement
Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Fundraising Consulting Services;
Maine Graduate and Professional Center
RFQ #2026-045
Issued Date: February 20, 2026
Response Deadline Date/Time: March 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST
Response Submission Information:
Submitted electronically to UMSResponses@maine.edu
Email Subject Line - DH: Fundraising Consulting Services - RFQ#2026-
045
Response Contact Information:
Email: UMSResponses@maine.edu

Request for Qualifications - Fundraising Consulting Services Dated: February 20, 2026
Contents
1.0 2
1.1 3
1.2 6
1.3 10
2.0 12
2.1 12
2.2 12
2.3 13
2.4 13
2.5 13
3.0 14
3.1 14
3.2 14
Appendix A - University of Maine System Response Cover Page ................................... 16
Appendix B - Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification ...................... 17
Appendix D - Master Agreement ............................................................................................... 18
Appendix D1 - Evaluation Question(s) - Master Agreement ............................................. 28
Appendix E - Organization Reference Form .......................................................................... 32
Appendix F - Qualifications Information Packet ................................................................... 33
University of Maine System RFQ Page 2 of 33
Rev. 08/16/2023

Request for Qualifications - Fundraising Consulting Services Dated: February 20, 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 unites six distinctive public universities and a
law school, 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, the University 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 also benefits from more than two-thirds of its alumni
population residing within the state; more than 123,000 individuals.
The Universities six universities and a law school, include 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), the University of Southern Maine (USM), and the University
of Maine School of Law (Maine Law).
Campus thumbnails
Maine Graduate and Professional Center (Maine Center)
Located in Portland but serving students and employers statewide, the Maine
Center brings together academic programs in law, business, public policy, and
engineering and computing to train the workforce of the future and grow Maine's
economy.
The Maine Center, which resides within the Chancellor's Office of the University,
is an academic consortium composed of the University of Maine School of Law,
the University of Maine Graduate School of Business, and the graduate programs
of the USM's Muskie School of Public Service, and Maine College of Engineering
and Computing. This consortium develops cross-disciplinary, experiential, and
market-driven programming for graduate students in the Maine Center's focus
areas.
University of Maine System RFQ Page 3 of 33
Rev. 08/16/2023

Request for Qualifications - Fundraising Consulting Services Dated: February 20, 2026
The Maine Center also delivers programming for members of Maine's civic,
business, entrepreneurial and legal communities, including executive education,
certificates, workshops, externship placements, and small business programs and
services, amongst others.
The Maine Center's collaborative model is designed to foster student success and
career opportunities while expanding partnerships to ensure responsiveness to the
state's industry, entrepreneurial and innovation community, and economic
opportunities.
The Maine Center is supported by a challenge grant from the Harold Alfond
Foundation as part of UMS TRANSFORMS, as well as funding through the
University.
1.1.3 Purpose
The University is seeking responses to provide fundraising consulting services as
defined in the RFQ to support the Maine Center and related University initiatives.
This RFQ 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 is seeking qualified fundraising consultants to support the Maine
Center in development, planning, advancement of fundraising initiatives, including
but not limited to feasibility studies, campaign planning, fundraising strategy and
support, strategic fundraising counsel, training, prospect analysis and wealth
screening, amongst other related fundraising initiatives.
The Maine Center, in collaboration with its academic partners across the
University, is focused on planning, developing and launching a capital campaign
and sustainable fundraising operation to further its programmatic objectives and
enhance the Maine Center facilities located at 300 Fore Street and 7 Custom
House Street in Portland, Maine.
This engagement represents an opportunity for experienced fundraising
professionals to leverage their expertise to support the establishment of a capital
campaign plan and a sustainable fundraising blueprint for the Maine Center and
support related fundraising initiatives across the University. Qualified applicants
may also have the opportunity to support University fundraising initiatives in
addition to the Maine Center.
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).
University of Maine System RFQ Page 4 of 33
Rev. 08/16/2023

Request for Qualifications - Fundraising Consulting Services Dated: February 20, 2026
Though this document is primarily for Maine Center all campuses in the University
must be afforded the use of this solution, with all the same terms and conditions
applicable to the various University locations.
1.1.4 Specifications / Scope of Work
A. Engagement Scope: Consultants will be engaged to support the Maine Center
in advancing their fundraising, including:
Feasibility Study: To support the creation and execution of a study to assess
the Maine Center's readiness and potential for a successful capital campaign
to advance the Maine Center's programmatic and infrastructure objectives.
The consultant will work with the Maine Center to develop the best approach
to develop and execute the plan.
Capital Campaign Plan: Support the planning and establishment of a capital
campaign to raise funds to advance the Maine Center's programmatic and
infrastructure objectives. The plan will include clear goals, purpose, timelines,
budgets, case for support, donor prospects, leadership team, and stewardship
efforts, and coordination processes among the UMaine, USM, and Maine Law
foundations and advancement leaders. These efforts may also include
supporting the development of a fundraising case statement and other related
marketing materials and launching and supporting the capital campaign.
Fundraising Strategy, Support and Counsel: Assist in developing a
strategic blueprint that outlines how the Maine Center can raise money to
reach its goals through a capital campaign and on an ongoing, annual basis
outside of the capital campaign plan.
Training: Provide training and feedback to key University and Maine Center
leadership and representatives, as necessary, to ensure effective fundraising
execution and to help the Maine Center achieve its goals.
Donor Prospect Analysis and Wealth Screening: Support the Maine Center
in identifying donor prospect's financial ability and willingness to support the
Maine Center.
B. Engagement Structure
Professional Fee Model: Detailed fee structure will be discussed with
qualified candidates but may include project-based structure for specified
deliverables, such as a feasibility structure and campaign planning, and/or
monthly rates based on an agreed upon scope of work for services rendered.
Work Arrangement: Remote engagement for US-based consultants. In-
person engagement at the Maine Center or other locations is not required, but
negotiable as needed.
Duration: Anticipated for an initial 4-to-6-month period, with anticipated
extensions for durations agreed upon by both parties.
C. Preferred Qualifications: Consultants should demonstrate:
Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success fundraising preferably in
academic, higher education, and nonprofit settings, including but not limited
to experience and success in planning and execution of capital campaigns,
securing six- and seven-figure gifts, holding leadership roles in fundraising
management, and engaging with executive leaders and governance boards
at a strategic level.
University of Maine System RFQ Page 5 of 33
Rev. 08/16/2023

Request for Qualifications - Fundraising Consulting Services Dated: February 20, 2026
Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with higher education, including graduate
studies, professional education, and entrepreneurship and innovation
programming.
Project Management: Demonstrable experience leading, advising,
executing and/or structuring fundraising operations, including capital
campaigns and annual funds.
Interpersonal and Communication: Strong interpersonal and verbal and
written communication skills to foster, build and maintain relationships.
Collaborative Approach: Ability to proactively identify opportunities for
collaboration across the University and the Maine Center's core academic
partners to advance the Maine Center's fundraising objectives.
1.2 General Information
1.2.1 Contract Administration and Conditions
1.2.1.1 The winning Respondent will be required to execute a contract in the
form of a University of Maine System Master Agreement, which is
attached to this response as Appendix D. The Master Agreement
initial term and renewal periods are reflected in Section 2 of Appendix
D, Master Agreement, and are subject to continued availability of
funding and satisfactory performance.
The Master Agreement entered into by the parties shall consist of the
University of Maine System Master Agreement (attached to this
document), the RFQ, the selected Respondent's submission,
including all appendices or attachments and clarifications, the
specifications including all modifications thereof, and a Purchase
Order or Letter of Agreement requiring signatures of the University and
the Contractor, all of which shall be referred to collectively as the
Agreement Documents.
In the event of a conflict of terms the following precedence will apply:
1. University of Maine System Master Agreement
2. Agreement Riders as required
3. Contract Amendments (as required)
4. The University's RFQ
5. Respondent's Submission
6. Purchase Order or Letter of Agreement
1.2.1.2 Modification of Agreement terms and conditions is permitted except
that the University, due to its public nature, will not:
a. Provide any defense, hold harmless or indemnity;
b. Waive any statutory or constitutional immunity;
c. Apply the law of a state other than Maine;
d. Procure types or amounts of insurance beyond those UMS
already maintains or waive any rights of subrogation.
e. Add any entity as an additional insured to UMS policies of
insurance;
f. Pay attorneys' fees, costs, expenses or liquidated damages;
g. Promise confidentiality in a manner contrary to Maine's
Freedom of Access Act;
University of Maine System RFQ Page 6 of 33
Rev. 08/16/2023

Request for Qualifications - Fundraising Consulting Services Dated: February 20, 2026
h. Permit an entity to change unilaterally any term or condition
once the contract is signed;
i. Accept any references to terms and conditions, privacy
policies or any other websites, documents or conditions
referenced outside of the contract; or
j. Agree to automatic renewals for term(s) greater than month-
to-month.
1.2.1.3 By submitting a response to a Request for Qualifications, bid or other
offer to do business with the University your entity understands and
agrees that:
a. The above Agreement provisions (Section 1.2.1.2) will not be
modified and are thereby incorporated into any agreement
entered into between University and your entity; that such
terms and condition shall control in the event of any conflict
with such agreement; and that your entity will not propose or
demand any contrary terms;
b. The above Agreement provisions (Section 1.2.1.2) will
govern the interpretation of such agreement notwithstanding
the expression of any other term and/or condition to the
contrary;
c. Your entity agrees that the resulting Agreement will be the
entire agreement between the University (including
University's employees and other End Users) and
Respondent and in the event that the Respondent requires
terms of use agreements or other agreements, policies or
understanding, whether on an order form, invoice, website,
electronic, click-through, verbal or in writing, with University's
employees or other End Users, such agreements shall be null,
void and without effect, and the terms of the Agreement shall
apply.
d. Your entity will identify at the time of submission which, if any,
portion or your submitted materials are entitled to ''trade
secret" exemption from disclosure under Maine's Freedom of
Access Act; that failure to so identify will authorize UMS to
conclude that no portions are so exempt; and that your entity
will defend, indemnify and hold harmless UMS in any and all
legal actions that seek to compel UMS to disclose under
Maine's Freedom of Access Act some or all of your submitted
materials and/or contract, if any, executed between UMS and
your entity.
1.2.2 Communication with the University
It is the responsibility of the Respondent to inquire about any requirement of this
document that is not understood. Responses to inquiries, if they change or clarify
the document in a substantial manner, will be forwarded by addenda to all parties
that have received a copy of the document. Addenda will also be posted on our
web site, www.maine.edu/strategic/upcoming_bids.php
It is the responsibility of all Respondents to check the web site before submitting a
response to ensure that they have all pertinent documents. The University will not
be bound by oral responses to inquiries or written responses other than addenda.
University of Maine System RFQ Page 7 of 33
Rev. 08/16/2023

Request for Qualifications - Fundraising Consulting Services Dated: February 20, 2026
Inquiries must be made using the Response Contact Information provided on
the cover sheet of this document. Refer to table in Section 1.3.1 Timeline of Key
Events for deadline requirements.
1.2.3 Confidentiality
The University must adhere to the provisions of the Maine Freedom of Access Act
(FOAA), 1 MRSA 401 et seq. As a condition of submitting a response under this
section, a respondent must accept that, to the extent required by the Maine FOAA,
responses to this solicitation, and any ensuing contractual documents, are
considered public records and therefore are subject to freedom of access requests.
The information contained in responses submitted for the University's
consideration will be held in confidence until all evaluations are concluded and a
Respondent selected (the successful Respondent). At that time the University will
issue award notice letters to all participating Respondents and all Respondents'
responses may be made available to participating Respondents upon request.
Such request must be made by submitting a written request to the individual noted
in the Response Contact Information shown on the cover sheet of this document,
with a copy of the request provided to the other Respondents. Such requests are
public records.
After the protest period has passed and the Agreement is fully executed,
responses will be available for public inspection upon request.
Pricing and other information that is an integral part of the offer cannot be
considered confidential after an award has been made. The University will honor
requests for confidentiality for information that meets the definition of "trade secret"
under Maine law. Clearly mark any portion of your submitted materials which are
entitled to "trade secret" exemption from disclosure under Maine's Freedom of
Access Act. Failure to so identify as trade secret will authorize the University to
conclude that no portions are so exempt; and that your entity will defend, indemnify
and hold harmless the University in any and all legal actions that seek to compel
the University to disclose under Maine's Freedom of Access Act some or all of your
submitted materials and/or contract, if any, executed between the University and
your entity.
1.2.4 Costs of Preparation
Respondent assumes all costs of preparation of the response and any
presentations necessary to the response process.
1.2.5 Authorization
Any Agreement for services that will, or may, result in the expenditure by the
University of $50,000 or more must be approved in writing by the Office of Strategic
Procurement, Chief Procurement Officer and it is not approved, valid or effective
until such written approval is granted.
Authorization. Any contract or agreement for services that will, or may, result in the
expenditure by the University of $50,000 or more must be approved in writing by
the Executive Director of Strategic Procurement & Services and it is not approved,
valid or effective until such written approval is granted.
University of Maine System RFQ Page 8 of 33
Rev. 08/16/2023

Request for Qualifications - Fundraising Consulting Services Dated: February 20, 2026
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration approval is required of any
University of Maine System agreement of $50,000 or more, and it is not approved,
valid or effective until such written approval is granted.
Chief Business Officer approval is required of any campus specific agreement of
$50,000 or more, and it is not approved, valid or effective until such written
approval is granted.
1.2.6 Multi-Institutional
The University of Maine System, Office of Strategic Procurement reserves the
right to authorize other University Institutions to use the Agreement(s) resulting
from this document, if it is deemed to be beneficial for the University to do so.
1.2.7 Pricing
All prices provided shall remain firm for the entire term of the agreement.
1.2.8 Cost Response Form Quantities
The quantities shown on the cost response form are approximate only. The
Contractor shall cover the actual needs of the University throughout the term of the
Agreement regardless of whether they are more or less than the quantities shown.
1.2.9 Employees
The Contractor shall employ only competent and satisfactory personnel and shall
provide a sufficient number of employees to perform the required services
efficiently and in a manner satisfactory to the University. If the Agreement
Administrator or designee, notifies the Contractor in writing that any person
employed on this Agreement is incompetent, disorderly, or otherwise
unsatisfactory, such person shall not again be employed in the execution of this
Agreement without the prior written consent of the Agreement Administrator.
1.2.10 Environment Compliance
In the event that the resulting Agreement involves the generation, transportation,
handling, disposal, and/or other operations or activities in relation to toxic,
hazardous, radioactive, or otherwise dangerous gases, vapors, fumes, acids,
alkali's, chemicals, wastes or contaminants and/or other substance, material or
condition, the Contractor agrees to indemnify save harmless and defend the
University from and against all liabilities, claims, damages, forfeitures, suits, and
the costs and expenses incident thereto (including costs of defense, settlement
and reasonable attorney's fees) which the University may hereafter incur as a
result of death or bodily injuries or damage to any property, contamination of or
adverse effects of the environment or any violation of state or federal regulations
or laws (including without limitation the Resources Conservation and Recovery
Act, the Hazardous Material Transportation Act or the Superfund Amendment and
Reauthorization Act, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended) or
order based on or arising in whole or in part from the Contractor's performance
under the Agreement, provided, however the Contractor shall not indemnify the
University for any liabilities, claims, damages, (as set forth above) caused by or
arising out of the sole negligence of the University, or arising out of any area of
responsibility not attributable to Contractor.
University of Maine System RFQ Page 9 of 33
Rev. 08/16/2023

Request for Qualifications - Fundraising Consulting Services Dated: February 20, 2026
1.2.11 Specification Protest Process and Remedies:
If a Respondent feels that the specifications are written in a way that limits
competition, a specification protest may be sent to the Office of Strategic
Procurement to the email address provided on the cover page of this
document. Specification Protests will be responded to within five (5) business
days of receipt. Determination of protest validity is at the sole discretion of the
University. The due date of the proposal may be changed if necessary to allow
consideration of the protest and issuance of any necessary
addenda. Specification protests shall be presented to the University in writing as
soon as identified, but no less than five (5) business days prior to the Deadline for
Proposal Submission noted in Section 1.3.1. No protest against the award due to
the specifications shall be considered after this deadline. Protests shall include
the reason for the protest and any proposed changes to the specifications.
1.3 General Submission Provisions
1.3.1 Timeline of Key Events
Reference
Event Name Event Due Date
Section
March 2, 2026
Section 1.2.2 Deadline for Written Inquiries/Questions
Response to Written
Inquiries/Questions March 4, 2026
Section 1.2.2 (subject to change)
March 13, 2026
Section 1.2.2 Deadline for Proposal Submission
Award Announcement March 23, 2026
Section 2.2 (subject to change)
Estimated Agreement Start Date
(subject to change) TBD
1.3.2 Eligibility to Submit Responses
Public entities, private for-profit companies, and non-profit companies and
institutions are invited to submit a response to this document.
1.3.3 Debarment
Respondents must complete and submit the "Debarment, Performance and Non-
Collusion Certification Form provided in Appendix B. Failure to provide this
certification may result in the disqualification of the Respondent's proposal, at the
University's discretion.
Submission of a signed response in response to this solicitation is certification that
your firm (or any subcontractor) is not currently debarred, suspended, proposed
for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in this
transaction by any State or Federal department or agency. Submission is also
agreement that the University will be notified of any change in this status.
University of Maine System RFQ Page 10 of 33
Rev. 08/16/2023