The UC Merced Experimental Smart Farm (ESF) will occupy an approximately 40-acre site near the southern boundary of campus land. The ESF will serve as the operational center for research and educational programs in sustainable agriculture. The vision for the ESF is that of a functional campus showpiece, the farm of the future. The farm will provide world class facilities and infrastructure to support research on sustainable land management, regenerative agriculture, precision agriculture, automation/robotics, machine learning/AI, and the exploration of the future of farm work. In addition, the farm will serve as a community hub, hosting a farmer’s market and café, outreach events, and providing a rich array of learning opportunities for all ages.
The UC Merced Experimental Smart Farm (ESF) will occupy an approximately 40-acre site near the southern boundary of campus land. The ESF will serve as the operational center for research and educational programs in sustainable agriculture. The vision for the ESF is that of a functional campus showpiece, the farm of the future. The farm will provide world class facilities and infrastructure to support research on sustainable land management, regenerative agriculture, precision agriculture, automation/robotics, machine learning/AI, and the exploration of the future of farm work. In addition, the farm will serve as a community hub, hosting a farmer’s market and café, outreach events, and providing a rich array of learning opportunities for all ages.This Request for Statements of Qualification (SOQ) and attachments are available April 29, 2021 at: https://rfp-rfq.ucmerced.edu/
Written SOQ’s should be in accordance with the attached Submittal Format. Submittals must be received via the link https://ucmerced.app.box.com/f/7294a4381faa416ba612c77cfa80e0a7 No later than 4:00 pm, May 27, 2021.
Please fill out the attached Non-Mandatory Registration Form and email a PDF to Yasmeen Jewel yjewel@ucmerced.edu no later than 4:00PM Thursday, May 6, 2021. The University will use the Registration Form to notify firms of any changes or updates.
The University will convene a Screening Committee to review submissions and recommend a short list of firms to be interviewed by a Selection Committee. The Selection Committee anticipates notifying short-listed firms on Thursday, June 17, 2021, and will schedule interviews shortly thereafter.
The University reserves the right to request any further documentation that it deems appropriate and necessary for the screening and selection process. Please direct any questions to Phil Woods, Campus Architect email: pwoods3@ucmerced.edu No Later than 4:00pm on Thursday, May 13,2021.
