Public-Private Partnership (P3) Student Housing Development

Delaware State University is seeking a qualified development team to deliver a Design‑Build‑Finance‑Operate‑Maintain (DBFOM) student‑housing project on its Dover campus. The campus‑owned site will host approximately 70 beds across 25 apartment‑style units, plus common areas. The developer will assume full financing responsibility, construct the building, furnish it, and then operate and maintain the facility under a long‑term ground‑lease agreement. The university will provide up to $1 million in direct funding, but the bulk of the financing must be sourced privately. The RFQ phase is for qualification only; successful teams (3‑5) will be shortlisted for a subsequent RFP where detailed technical and financial proposals will be required. • Scope: DBFOM delivery of 70‑bed student housing (design, construction, financing, operation, and long‑term maintenance). • Required capabilities: proven experience with P3/DBFOM projects, strong financial capacity, and operational management of student‑housing assets. • Timeline: RFQ issued April 2 2026, questions due May 1 2026, SOQ deadline extended to May 29 2026; construction anticipated to start Q4 2026 with completion Q3 2028, followed by multi‑decade operation. • Funding: No university funding beyond a $1 M contribution; developer must secure equity and debt financing.