University of Florida, Lastinger Center for Learning ITN2026-103

The University of Florida is issuing an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN2026-103) for a lease of 7,000 to 17,000 contiguous rentable square feet to house the Lastinger Center for Learning's operations in Gainesville, Florida, with proposals due October 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. and written inquiries due September 25, 2026. The University is a public entity and does not pay sales or excise taxes and does not require security deposits.

The scope includes specialized studio space (30 feet by 25 feet with minimum 12-foot ceilings), 10–20 standard offices (120 square feet each), 5 executive offices (160 square feet each), 1 executive suite with adjoining office (320 square feet combined), 15–20 open work spaces, break room, copy and supply room, multi-purpose room, storage closets, and code-compliant restrooms. Sound insulation between offices and within the production studio is a priority. Standard office hours are Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with frequent afterhours and weekend events requiring flexible access and parking. The University prefers locations within the geographic area outlined in Exhibit C but will consider locations outside this area on a case-by-case basis.

The initial lease term is three to five years with a preference for two renewal options of two years each, with 60 days' notice required for renewal. Base rent will be paid monthly with annual escalations, and utilities, janitorial services, and pest control are included in base rent. The tenant will pay additional rent only for property taxes, property insurance, and common expenses exceeding 2024 baseline amounts at a percentage share to be determined. Occupancy is desired by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Landlord proposals are evaluated based on financial strength, management expertise, financial terms and added value, lease flexibility, past performance references, and willingness to accept University terms — pricing is a consideration but not the determining factor. Vendors must submit detailed rent per square foot, operating expense caps, improvement costs, rental incentives or abatement, parking capacity and costs, after-hours access options, signage allowances, and available amenities, along with floor plans and CAD files where available. Protests must be accompanied by a bond equal to the lesser of 10 percent of proposal value, 10 percent of estimated expenditure, or $10,000.