Puerto Rico seeks developers for former U.S. Naval Base

San Juan, P.R. — Puerto Rico issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Master Developers for approximately 3,000 acres of coastal land and facilities on the eastern end of the island. Formerly serving as the U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, the property includes prime Caribbean coastline with an airfield and waterfront development. It is adjacent to Puerto Rico’s El Yunque rainforest and just minutes away from of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches in Vieques and Culebra.

The RFQ, issued by the Department of Economic Development & Commerce (DDEC) and the Roosevelt Roads Local Redevelopment Authority, is looking to attract submissions from highly qualified developers that have the expertise and ability to design, build, operate, maintain and finance all or part of the site. Specifically, the plan seeks to attract development in nine zones, ranging from a waterfront district to sustainable entertainment areas, eco-tourism lodges, an industrial park, town centers, residential housing, and corporate offices ideal for hotel properties, marinas, casinos, educational institutions and other mixed use development.

“This announcement marks a milestone in the redevelopment process of the lands at Roosevelt Roads that will create the jobs and spur economic development that will transform the lives of the people and economies of the region and Puerto Rico,” said Malu Blázquez Arsuaga, executive director of the Local Redevelopment Authority. “Not only is the land’s vast size and pre-existing infrastructure unusual, but it also offers unparalleled access by sea and air, a year-round tropical climate, passport-free travel for U.S. citizens and competitive tax benefits for investors.”

This flagship project of the Administration of Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro García Padilla includes a development plan for 25 years, with the potential for creating 20,000 jobs during this time and an estimated investment of over $2 billion. It also includes plans for 20 percent of residences built to be devoted to affordable homes for families and young professionals from the eastern region of Puerto Rico.

“We are excited to see this area transformed into a world-class destination for residents and visitors,” said Alberto Bacó-Bagué, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development & Commerce. “Roosevelt Roads promises extraordinary development opportunities that are made attractive by our tax incentives, a pro-business environment, skilled and competitive workforce, political stability and the benefits of a U.S. jurisdiction.” 

This development opportunity comes at an especially exciting time when Puerto Rico is seeing increased business interest and tourism investment in the island. Earlier this year DDEC announced $500 million in investments from private equity firms and additional business growth in the manufacturing, IT, pharmaceutical and aerospace industries.

The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is available at www.rooseveltroads.pr.gov, Section RFQ. All inquiries concerning this RFQ should be directed in writing to lramasterdeveloper@lra.pr.gov.

Deadlines:

• Bidder Registration Forms are due on Wednesday, July 16, 2014.

• The LRA will hold an optional pre-submittal meeting and property tour on Thursday, July 17, 2014.

• The Statement of Qualifications deadline for respondents is due on Thursday, August 7, 2014.

After the LRA has made a pre-selection of various Master Developers, the second phase will involve requesting and evaluating their proposals through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The LRA estimates that the selection of Master Developers will culminate by December 2014.