RFQ 2026-094 Site Selection USM Field Immersion Course

Administered by University of Maine System
Office of Strategic Procurement
Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
SUBMISSION FORM PACKAGE
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 - Site Selection: USM Field Immersion Course Dated: April 14, 2026
INSTRUCTIONS
Response Format Instructions
This section contains instructions for Respondents to use in preparing their response. The Respondent's
submission must follow the outline used below, including the numbering of section and sub-section
headings. Failure to use the outline specified in this section or to respond to all questions and instructions
throughout this document may result in the response being disqualified as non-responsive or receiving a
reduced score.
The University and its evaluation team for this document have sole discretion to determine whether a
variance from the document specifications should result in either disqualification or reduction in scoring of
a response.
Re-phrasing of the content provided in this document will, at best, be considered minimally responsive. The
University seeks detailed yet succinct responses that demonstrate the Respondent's experience and ability
to perform the requirements specified throughout this document.
1.1.1 Section 1 - Response Cover Page
1.1.1.1 Label this response - Section 1 - UMS Response Cover Page
1.1.1.2 Insert Appendix A - University of Maine System Response Cover Page
1.1.1.3 Insert Appendix B - Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification
1.1.2 Section 2 - Response to Questions
1.1.2.1 Label this response - Section 2 - Organization, Qualifications, Experience and
References
1.1.2.2 Insert Appendix C - Evaluation Question(s) - Organization, Qualifications,
Experience and References
1.1.3 Section 3 - Master Agreement
1.1.3.1 Label this response - Section 3 - Master Agreement
1.1.3.2 Insert Appendix D1 - Master Agreement
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Request for Qualifications - Site Selection: USM Field Immersion Course Dated: April 14, 2026
SECTION 1
Appendix A - University of Maine System Response Cover Page
RFQ # 2026-094
Site Selection USM Field Immersion Course
Organization Name:
Chief Executive - Name/Title:
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
Headquarters Street Address:
Headquarters City/State/Zip:
Lead Point of Contact for Quote
- Name/Title:
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
Street Address:
City/State/Zip:
1. This pricing structure contained herein will remain firm for a period of 90 days from the date and time of the quote
deadline date.
2. No personnel currently employed by the University or any other University agency participated, either directly or
indirectly, in any activities relating to the preparation of the Respondent's response.
3. No attempt has been made or will be made by the Respondent to induce any other person or firm to submit or not
to submit a response.
4. The undersigned is authorized to enter into contractual obligations on behalf of the above-named organization.
5. By submitting a response to a Request for Proposal, bid or other offer to do business with the University your entity
understands and agrees that:
a. The Agreement provisions in Section 1.2.1.2 of this document 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 in Section 1.2.1.2 of this document 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.
To the best of my knowledge all information provided in the enclosed response, both programmatic and financial, is
complete and accurate at the time of submission.
Date: ______________________________________
__________________________________________ ______________________________________
Name and Title (Printed) Authorized Signature
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Request for Qualifications - Site Selection: USM Field Immersion Course Dated: April 14, 2026
Appendix B - Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion
Certification
University of Maine System
DEBARMENT, PERFORMANCE and NON-COLLUSION
CERTIFICATION
RFQ # 2026-094
Site Selection USM Field Immersion Course
By signing this document, I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the aforementioned
organization, its principals and any subcontractors named in this proposal:
a. Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, and declared ineligible or
voluntarily excluded from bidding or working on contracts issued by any governmental agency.
b. Have not within three years of submitting the proposal for this contract been convicted of or had a
civil judgment rendered against them for:
i. Fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a
federal, state or local government transaction or contract.
ii. Violating Federal or State antitrust statutes or committing embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery,
falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;
iii. Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity
(Federal, State or Local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (b)
of this certification; and
iv. Have not within a three (3) year period preceding this proposal had one or more federal, state
or local government transactions terminated for cause or default.
c. Have not entered into a prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or
person submitting a response for the same materials, supplies, equipment, or services and this
proposal is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. The above mentioned entities understand
and agree that collusive bidding is a violation of state and federal law and can result in fines, prison
sentences, and civil damage awards.
Failure to provide this certification may result in the disqualification of the Respondent's proposal,
at the University's discretion.
Date: ______________________________________
__________________________________________ ______________________________________
Name and Title (Printed) Authorized Signature
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Request for Qualifications - Site Selection: USM Field Immersion Course Dated: April 14, 2026
SECTION 2
Appendix C - Organization, Qualifications, Experience and
References
Respondent's Organization Name: ________________________________________________
INSTRUCTIONS: Respondents shall ensure that all information required herein is submitted with the
response. All information provided should be verifiable by documentation requested by the University.
Failure to provide all information, inaccuracy or misstatement may be sufficient cause for rejection of the
response or rescission of an award.
Submission Sections
1. Provide a statement describing your company to include name, number of employees, locations,
number of years in business, number of years offering/supporting the required services.
2. Describe your experience offering a solution for the business requirements identified in this document
within higher education. Provide a client list that includes any and all higher education clients.
3. Please identify your capabilities and actual experience and expertise in the following:
The University of Maine System acting on behalf of University of Southern Maine (USM) seeks to
engage qualified partners 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. Specifics on
the specifications / scope of work is detailed below and listed in RFQ Section 1.1.4.
a. Preferably within 25 miles and/or 45-minute drive from the USM Gorham, ME campus.
b. A combination of natural and developed habitats, ample to accommodate orienteering
instruction, topographical surveying & global positioning system operation.
c. Fields and woods (preferably hiking trails), and water with a diversity of tree species and
aquatic organisms.
d. Accessible body of water for shoreline assessment and canoeing.
e. Preferably, a lifeguard(s) available for recreational swimming if recreational swimming is
possible.
f. Preferably provide approximately 8 canoes and paddles, or other boating options,
with appropriate life vests.
g. 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.
i. 2026 Availability
1. First preference: September 11th - September 13th
2. Second preference: September 18th - September 20th
ii. 2027 Availability
1. First preference: September 10th - September 12th
2. Second preference: September 17th - September 19th
iii. 2028 Availability
1. First preference: September 8th - September 10th
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Request for Qualifications - Site Selection: USM Field Immersion Course Dated: April 14, 2026
2. Second preference: September 15th - September 17th
h. Preferably, facilities would be reserved solely for this University group.
i. Parking for up to 10 passenger vehicles.
j. Lodging for up to 50 guests with multiple and single occupancy options.
k. Provide meals with the ability to accommodate food restrictions (allergies, gluten-free,
etc.)
i. 2 Breakfasts (Saturday and Sunday)
ii. 2-3 Lunch (optional on Friday, required on Saturday, optional on Sunday)
iii. 2 Dinners (Friday and Saturday)
l. Allow up to an additional 15 guests to attend a Friday or Saturday dinner (guest count
would max at 65).
m. If not providing meals, access to a commercial kitchen for student use under adult
supervision and/or for catering.
n. Access to a large room/hall for meals and teaching space as needed.
o. Access to private meeting spaces for small groups.
p. Preferably, audiovisual equipment for movies (screen, speakers, and DVD player).
q. Preferably outdoor campfire and cookout equipment.
r. Access to the site prior to each weekend for planning purposes (mark orienteering spots
& tree species, etc.)
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Request for Qualifications - Site Selection: USM Field Immersion Course Dated: April 14, 2026
INSTRUCTIONS: Provide a minimum of three (3) current professional references who may be contacted
for verification of the Respondent's professional qualifications to meet the requirements set forth herein.
We strongly prefer references from higher education institutions similar in size and requirements to the
University of Maine System.
We request that the references include one long-standing customer (minimum of 3 year engagement) and
one new customer (one who has been engaged with Respondent for less than one year).
REFERENCE #1
Institution/Company
Name
Contact Name
Contact Title
Contact Phone Number
Contact eMail Address
Relationship Length
REFERENCE #2
Institution/Company
Name
Contact Name
Contact Title
Contact Phone Number
Contact eMail Address
Relationship Length
REFERENCE #3
Institution/Company
Name
Contact Name
Contact Title
Contact Phone Number
Contact eMail Address
Relationship Length
REFERENCE #4
Institution/Company
Name
Contact Name
Contact Title
Contact Phone Number
Contact eMail Address
Relationship Length
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Request for Qualifications - Site Selection: USM Field Immersion Course Dated: April 14, 2026
SECTION 3
Appendix D1 - Evaluation Question(s) - Master Agreement
This portion of the RFP contains special terms and conditions which will govern the resulting agreement,
many of which are stated in RFP Section 1.2, with more detail in RFP Appendix D. Please indicate your
acceptance for each special term by "X' in the Agree or Disagree column.
Should you take exception to any of these special terms and conditions you are required to note your
exception directly below each of the respective terms in question. It should be noted that any exceptions
may result in the disqualification of your proposal, lack of providing the required response or indicating
terms will be negotiated post award will result in a zero (0) score for the Master Agreement evaluation
criteria in RFP Section 2.1.1.
Language
# Agreement Language / Requirement Agree Disagree
Reference
Section 2 Requirement: Term
Term This Agreement shall commence on ______________________ and shall
terminate on __________________, unless terminated earlier as provided in
this Contract with option for additional renewals upon the parties' mutual written
agreement.
Respondent Exception:
Language
# Agreement Language / Requirement Agree Disagree
Reference
Section 4 Requirement: Termination
Termination The Agreement may be terminated by the University in whole, or in part,
whenever for any reason the University shall determine that such termination is
in the best interest of the University. Any such termination shall be affected by
delivery to the Agreement or of a Notice of Termination specifying the extent to
which performance of the Agreement is terminated and the date on which such
termination becomes effective. The University shall pay all allowable costs
incurred up to the effective date of termination. However, the Agreement or shall
not be reimbursed for any costs incurred after the effective date of termination.
Respondent Exception:
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Request for Qualifications - Site Selection: USM Field Immersion Course Dated: April 14, 2026
Language
# Agreement Language / Requirement Agree Disagree
Reference
Section 5 Requirement: Obligations Upon Termination
Obligations Upon Any materials produced in performance of this agreement are the property of the
Termination University and shall be turned over to the University upon request. The
University shall pay the Agreement or for all services performed to the effective
date of termination subject to offset of sums owed by the Agreement or to the
University.
Respondent Exception:
Language
# Reference Agreement Language / Requirement Agree Disagree
(RFP Section 3.0)
Section 6 Requirement: Agree to termination language that excludes option for
termination for reasons of non-appropriation.
Non-Appropriation Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the University is not
appropriated sufficient funds to pay for the work to be performed under this
Agreement or if funds are de-appropriated, then the University is not obligated to
make payment under this Agreement.
Respondent Exception:
Language
# Agreement Language / Requirement Agree Disagree
Reference
Section 8 Requirement: Modification
Modification This Agreement may be modified or amended only in a writing signed by both
parties.
Respondent Exception:
Language
# Agreement Language / Requirement Agree Disagree
Reference
Section 10 Requirement: Applicable Law
Applicable Law This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted according to the laws of the
State of Maine
Respondent Exception:
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Request for Qualifications - Site Selection: USM Field Immersion Course Dated: April 14, 2026
Language
# Agreement Language / Requirement Agree Disagree
Reference
Section 13 Requirement: Indemnification
Applicable Law This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted according to the laws of the
State of Maine. This includes Maine Tort Claims Act (14 M.R.S.A. 8101, et
'
seq.).
Respondent Exception:
Language
# Agreement Language / Requirement Agree Disagree
Reference
Section 17 Requirement: Entire Agreement
Entire Agreement This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties on
the subject matter hereof and replaces and supersedes all prior agreements on
the subject, whether oral or written, express or implied. This Agreement is the
entire agreement between the University (including University's employees and
other End Users) and Contractor. In the event that Contractor enters into terms
of use agreements or other agreements, policies or understandings, whether on
Contractor's purchase order, 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 this Contract shall apply.
University will not be bound to any other terms and conditions set forth in any
documents, agreements or policies posted on Contractor's website unless such
terms and conditions are set forth in this Agreement. Contractor may not
unilaterally change any term or condition of this Agreement.
Respondent Exception:
Language
# Agreement Language / Requirement Agree Disagree
Reference
Section 21 Requirement: Confidentiality
Confidentiality The Agreement or shall comply with all laws and regulations relating to
confidentiality and privacy including but not limited to any rules or regulations of
the University. The University must adhere to the provisions of the Maine
Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 1 MRSA 401 et seq. As a condition of
agreement, a respondent must accept that, to the extent required by the Maine
FOAA, any ensuing contractual documents, are considered public records and
therefore are subject to freedom of access requests.
Respondent Exception:
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