January 2026 Newsletter

Cycle 26.1 January Systems Updates

AITS/UOCP's semi-annual updates to systems (Contracts+, PRZM, FCPWeb, VSA-CAPS, PSP, KAHUA and Policies and Process) were updated and live 1/27/26 end of day. The communication letter identifying the updates made was sent on 1/28/26 and can be found at the bottom of the System Office of Capital, Utilities, & Real Estate website under "Announcements". Previously completed Systems Updates Announcements may also be accessed in this location.

University CCUs can expect a request for input regarding their requested system improvements for July 2026, in early March.

FY27 Retainer Agreement Renewals

FY27 retainer agreement renewals must be fully executed by June 30, 2026, or vendor contract will end for that procurement and will not be able to be renewed. As in years past, UOCP is suggesting that all required posting information for renewals be complete and received by UOCP no later than end of March to provide the best chance of fully executing renewals. For reference regarding Retainers and renewal process, please review the Retainer Agreement Policy on the UOCP website: (Attachment D)

UOCP has agreed to share the Retainer (and JOCs) Diversity Utilization reports with the CPO and SPO at the end of each FY Quarter. If you have not submitted a report for FY26 Quarter 1 or 2, please do so now.

Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) Updates

The FCA is a System-led comprehensive building assessment for UIUC, UIC and UIS that will identify current deficiencies and building systems in need of future repair or replacement, within a database that is accessible by leadership at each university. The System Purchasing contract can be viewed as a “retainer” in which future assessment requests of Cannon will be made through System Purchasing Amendments. Initial agreement with Cannon was executed 6/15/2023 and will expire on 6/30/2028, with potential renewals not exceeding 10 years (6/30/2033).

The initial assessment plan (through Amendment 4) has been completed by Cannon and Final Building reports have been documented. Completed assessments cover ~57% of presently owned facilities across the System (UIUC: ~53%, UIC: ~66%, UIS: ~33%). Initial assessment plan covers more than 26.3 million square feet of space across the System (UIUC: ~13.5M, UIC: ~10M, UIS: ~0.5M).

Training and support from CannonDesign will continue for all as we are yearly subscribers to the FOScore system. We have also saved some initial training videos for the use of the database in BOX. Key individuals from each university have access to those videos to share with all staff in the future.

Board of Trustees Due Dates

Sharing timely and accurate information with the Board of Trustees helps keep projects moving. Each meeting cycle, we collect key information and documents like the list of agenda Items, Roll Call drafts and revisions, and applicable bid tabs/utilization details. Getting these in by the set deadlines gives everyone enough time for review and keeps the process running smoothly.

Deadlines

Doris Kelley Christopher, Illinois Extension Center – Project Update

The Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center is designed to advance the University of Illinois land-grant mission by strengthening Illinois Extension’s capacity to connect research, education, and community engagement across the state. The center will serve as a modern, collaborative hub supporting statewide outreach, professional development, and innovation, with flexible meeting and training spaces, enhanced accessibility, and updated technology infrastructure. These objectives remain on track and align with the project’s original scope.

Named in honor of Doris Kelley Christopher, a University of Illinois alumna and former Illinois Extension Educator, the center reflects a deep commitment to extending the University’s impact beyond campus and into communities throughout Illinois. The facility is intentionally designed to support emerging and evolving programming needs across the state, including three featured spaces: a Discovery Kitchen to support nutrition and food systems education; a Maker Space to encourage hands-on learning, creativity, and problem-solving; and a Media Studio to expand Extension’s capacity for digital education and statewide engagement.

The project bid as a Single Prime delivery in February 2024. The bids received were higher than anticipated and exceeded the project budget. At the request of the donor, the project delivery was allowed to pivot as CM at Risk and awarded to Broeren Russo Builders, Inc. Within six (6) months from bidding the project, a redesign within the BOT approved budget was approved to proceed to construction. The CM at Risk delivery allowed the project team to work with real-time pricing and feedback from the contracted trades. This type of delivery did not come without issues, the quick redesign has led to change orders, albeit less change orders than a project this size may have.

Construction is progressing as planned. Steel erection is complete, the roof is on, and interior framing is currently underway, marking major milestones toward vertical and internal construction. The project team continues to closely monitor timelines and coordination to support steady advancement toward completion. The project is on track to be completed by May 2027.