Frequently Asked Questions
About the Program
What is the Blueprint Schools Program?
Through a unique alternative delivery model PGCPS pays a developer to design, build, and maintain six schools over a 30-year services period. Prince George’s County Public Schools is the first in the United States to accelerate the delivery of a group of modernized public K-12 school buildings through this partnership approach.
Why is Prince George’s County Public Schools doing this program?
The costs of keeping up with our growing student enrollment and 206 rapidly aging schools are increasing substantially. In recent years, we have identified a need of over $8.5 billion over 20 years to fully modernize building systems and components, repair or replace our existing schools, and/or expand existing capacities.
PGCPS has the second oldest school facilities in the state and over 40 percent of our buildings which were constructed nearly 60 years ago need a complete renovation or replacement.
Additionally, to avoid forecasted county-wide overcrowding, PGCPS needs to create thousands of middle and high school seats.
What schools are included in Phase I and where are they located?
Phase I includes four rebuilt middle schools: Drew-Freeman Middle School in Suitland; Walker Mill Middle School in Capitol Heights; Hyattsville Middle School and Kenmoor Middle School in Landover. Phase I also includes two new constructions: Sonia Sotomayor Middle School at Adelphi and Colin L. Powell Academy in Fort Washington.
When were the schools delivered in this procurement?
Drew-Freeman Middle School, Walker Mill Middle School, Hyattsville Middle School, Sonia Sotomayor Middle School at Adelphi, and Kenmoor Middle School were delivered in August 2023. Colin L. Powell Academy was delivered in November 2023.
About the Procurement
What process does PGCPS use?
PGCPS uses a qualifications-based, two-step procurement process.
Can minority, women, veteran-owned, and locally-owned businesses participate in the contract?
Yes, all minority, women,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.
About Alternative Construction Finance / Public-Private Partnerships (P3)
What is a public-private partnership (P3)?
A P3 is an innovative way to contract for the delivery of public infrastructure and related services. A 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?
PGCPS uses 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.