Blueprint for PGCPS: Facilities FAQs

About the Project

Why is Prince George’s County Public Schools doing this project?
- The costs of keeping up with our growing student enrollment and our 206 rapidly aging schools are substantial and continue to grow. In recent years, we have identified that over $8.5 billion is needed over 20 years to fully modernize building systems and components, repair or replace our existing schools, or expand existing capacities.
- Today, PGCPS has among the second oldest school facilities in the state and over 40 percent of our buildings which were constructed nearly 60 years ago now need replacement or complete renovation.
- PGCPS also needs to create thousands of middle and high school seats to avoid forecasted county-wide overcrowding.
What schools are included in the package and where will they be located?
- The package includes four middle schools to be rebuilt Drew-Freeman, Hyattsville, Kenmoor and Walker Mill — and two to be constructed in the Adelphi area and the southern part of the county.
When will the schools delivered in this procurement be delivered?
- It is still early to confirm an exact date of delivery but we are hoping to have the first projects completed within the next three years based on current planning and projections.

What process did PGCPS use?
- PGCPS is using a qualifications-based, two-step procurement process. It started in spring 2019 and is expected to conclude in fall 2019.
Can minority, women and veteran-owned and locally owned businesses participate in the contract?
- Yes, all minority, women and veteran-owned and locally owned businesses are strongly encouraged to participate in this process. To be considered for the project, the construction partners must commit to meeting PGCPS’ or Prince George’s County government’s MBE/LBE participation goals.
How many jobs will be created?

An economic impact analysis is underway that will determine job creation. While we await final numbers we are encouraged by the multiple phases of the project and the need to hire workers along the way from design to construction.

What is a public-private partnership (P3)?
- A P3 is an innovative way to contract for the delivery of public infrastructure and related services. The P3 contract is between a public agency, in this case PGCPS, and a private partner. A competitively awarded contract reduces significant risks to taxpayer resources. The private partner is required to maximize the life of the facilities and hand assets back to the public agency in excellent condition.
What P3 delivery model is PGCPS using for this project?
- While still early in the process, PGCPS anticipates using a model that will require a private partner to design, build, finance, and maintain the facility.
Is the P3 the same as privatization?
- No, PGCPS will retain ownership of the schools. At the end of the contract, PGCPS will operate and maintain the facilities.