9280-26-R-IFBD-00041

The University of Southern Mississippi's Procurement and Contract Services is issuing Request for Proposals (RFP) 26-32 for a comprehensive student housing study and needs assessment at the Hattiesburg Campus. The procurement seeks qualified student housing advisors and consultants to evaluate both on-campus housing inventory and the off-campus housing market to inform institutional planning decisions. The scope of work encompasses six primary tasks: project initiation including administrator interviews and facility tours; competitive context analysis of 6-8 peer institutions; 4-6 student focus group sessions; off-campus market analysis utilizing primary and secondary research; survey development, implementation, and statistical analysis; and final recommendations with comprehensive documentation. Deliverables include a final presentation to university stakeholders and a briefing memorandum documenting findings and recommendations, with three anticipated campus visits during the engagement. Sealed proposals must be received by 2:00 p.m. CDT on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Bond Hall, Room 214, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406. Proposers must submit an Intent to Bid notification prior to the deadline using the designated link on the USM Bid Listing to ensure receipt of any addenda, and questions regarding clarifications must be submitted in writing at least five days prior to the bid opening date. Proposals should be submitted as one signed original, two copies, and one electronic virus-free copy on USB drive, with fee proposals submitted on a lump-sum, not-to-exceed basis in Exhibit A and project timeline detailed in Exhibit B.

The RFP document does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions targeting disadvantaged enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or other protected categories. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement materials. The evaluation criteria prioritize the lowest responsible bidder meeting all specifications, with cash terms explicitly excluded as a basis for contract award; however, Mississippi law standard terms of 2/10 net 45 apply to the engagement. The university reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive formalities, and make awards on an all-or-none or line-by-line basis as deemed in its best interest. The RFP does not disclose a specific budget range or award value for the student housing study and needs assessment project.