Lease and/or Operating Agreement - Electron Beam Processing Facility

Texas A&M AgriLife Research (the Agency) is soliciting proposals for the selection of a commercial entity or entities to enter into a property (facility) lease and/or operating agreement of the Electron Beam Radiation Processing Facility (EBRPF) located in Brazos County and College Station, Texas. The Agency seeks to have the selected entity(ies) assume current production and expand the commercial irradiation services at the EBRPF, which serves as both a commercial irradiation service center and a laboratory for research, education, and collaboration. The RFP provides details on the facility's equipment, capabilities, and current usage, and outlines the Agency's priorities and expectations for the awarded respondent, including sustaining and expanding commercial services, accepting equipment as-is, maintaining and upgrading equipment, obtaining necessary permits, and supporting the activities of the National Center for Electron Beam Research. Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. CST on April 12, 2024.

The RFP does not specify any pricing terms, funding requirements, or set-asides. It indicates the Agency will enter into an initial lease and/or operating agreement with the selected respondent for an approximate term of five years, subject to review and approval by the Texas A&M University System Real Estate Office and potentially the Board of Regents. The Agency will not incur any financial obligation for equipment upgrades or expansion, as those costs will be the responsibility of the awarded respondent. The current facility has two full-time employees that the respondent may consider continuing to employ.