Upper Tumon, Guam – The Department of Public Works (DPW) announced today that it has issued a response to all Requests for Information (RFIs) and written questions from potential proposers for the new Simon Sanchez High School meeting DPW’s anticipated timeline of April 30, 2025—marking another critical milestone in a project that is moving on track and moving forward.
This public-private partnership (P3)—one of Guam’s most significant education infrastructure undertakings in a generation—is currently in the procurement phase with proposal submissions due May 23, 2025. The project will be delivered through a Finance, Demolition, Design, Build, Lease/Leaseback, and Insure/Capital Maintenance (FDDBLM) model under Public Law 37-22, with a qualified developer to be selected this summer.
“This isn’t just about a building—it’s about giving our students, teachers, and families what they have been waiting for: a future-ready school, and a P3 system that works,” said DPW Director Vince Arriola. “We are looking for an experienced, long-term partner for the Simon Sanchez Sharks.”
Under the P3 system, the private developer will build and maintain the new Simon Sanchez High School for up to 30 years.
Since December 2024, DPW worked intensively alongside the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), the Simon Sanchez administration, the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA), the Office of the Attorney General, and consultants to prepare a clear, comprehensive RFP package– including design documents and a 60-day response window, which exceeds procurement requirements.
In early April, more than 30 interested parties participated in a mandatory pre-proposal conference and site visit. Three parties requested deadline extensions. After a thorough review, DPW formally denied those requests to protect the timeline and avoid further disruption to students’ education.
“When the government announced the selection of its construction manager in September last year, serious developers and contractors were put on notice that this project was forthcoming. We’ve done the planning. We’ve done the coordination. This process has been transparent, inclusive, and fully compliant with Guam law,” Arriola added. “At this point, any delay—especially through protest—would not just slow construction- it would hurt students, disrupt families, and stall progress the community has already fought hard to achieve.”
Students and faculty from Simon Sanchez High School currently share space with peers at JFK under a burdensome double-session schedule—a situation the new high school will resolve. The DPW-led procurement process has been specifically designed to minimize ambiguity for proposers and accelerate construction after award.
The government is not only ready to build—it is committed to choosing a partner who is equally prepared. Proposers are reminded that the deadline for submissions is firm, and proposals will be evaluated based on qualifications, experience, and ability to execute within the law and project scope.
“The community deserves action—not obstruction,” said Arriola. “We’re moving forward. We hope every proposer is, too.”
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