Major Capital Construction Projects & Services

Office of Facilities Management

Capital projects are construction/renovation projects costing more than $50,000. There are complex issues to be addressed that include topics such as financing, siting, utility service, designer selection, permitting, contractor selection and construction quality.

The standards, regulations and code issues that are addressed within each project include:

  • Removal of asbestos containing materials (ACM)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  • Building Officials and Code Administrations (BOCA)
  • Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
  • Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MeDEP)
  • US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  • State of Maine minimum wage laws
  • Local code enforcement inspection requirements

As a public institution, UMaine and UMaine Machias are subject to laws and policies that define how competitiveness and fairness goals will be addressed in the selection of designers and builders, how contractors will be paid and how disputes will be settled. All of these issues are addressed with the assistance of the Project Manager.

Current Projects

The University of Maine (UMaine) and the University of Maine at Machias (UMaine Machias) are actively managing approximately 140 capital construction and space management projects, of which 40 have large capital projects (budgets over $500,000), representing a total investment of $561.18 million. These initiatives are categorized as follows:

  • Research, Academic, and Innovation Projects: 16 projects totaling approximately $186.65 million.
  • Auxiliary Projects: 4 projects totaling approximately $10.68 million.
  • Infrastructure and Space Projects: 13 projects totaling approximately $177.81 million.
  • Athletics Projects: 8 projects totaling approximately $186 million.

Click here to read the University of Maine & University of Maine at Machias Capital Construction Update for Q3 (FY25) and learn about ongoing projects and future initiatives in greater detail.



Percent for Art

The Maine Percent for Art law was enacted in 1979 to provide for art in public buildings. Under the law, an amount equal to one percent of the construction budget is set aside to purchase original works of art for new or renovated buildings receiving state funds. In the case of public schools, a maximum of $50,000 may be used for art purchases.

  • The art selection committee is made up of two representatives appointed by the contracting agency, two arts professionals appointed by the Maine Arts Commission, and the project architect. The committee recommends artwork to the contracting agency for final approval.
  • The selection committee may choose to consider only Maine artists, regional artists, or to keep the competition open to national and international applicants. The project is advertised in various media and in the Maine Arts Commission Newsletter, email listserv and website.