FROM P3 BULLETIN: Tennessee uni launches energy P3

September 28, 2026 →

Photo credit: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM P3 BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

The University of Tennessee system has released a request for proposals (RFP) seeking private partners for an energy and utility facilities P3 project.

Under the plans, private partners will deliver upgrades to the energy infrastructure system at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHS) in Memphis.

The project has been initiated in order to “address utility system deferred maintenance, transfer operating risk, and improve reliability.” It will be delivered through a develop, operate, finance, and maintain P3 model.

Proposals will be evaluated on bidders’ experience in delivering similar projects, financial capability, and project approach, including proposed infrastructure improvements, schedule, and operating and financial plans.

Responses to the RFP, which can be found here, are due by November 5, 2026.

The university has appointed Brailsford & Dunlavey as the development advisor for the initiative.

Read the article on P3 Bulletin here (subscription required).

"The leadership and information from B&D, and the clarity with which they provide it, brings added credibility to the process and ensures that a range of university stakeholders, including senior leadership and our board, are fully informed for – and confident in – their required decision making.”

B.J. Crain, Former Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration

Texas Woman’s University

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