SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 – Ypsilanti Township, Mich. — The American Center for Mobility (ACM) has issued a Request for Partnership (RFP) for the development of its technology park which will include a headquarters and labs for the organization. The selected development partner will conceptualize and develop a world class tech park adjacent to the connected and automated vehicle proving grounds built on more than 500 acres at Willow Run. The partner will also manage the construction of the tech-park facilities. Ann Arbor SPARK, a founding partner of ACM, is managing the RFP process.
“It’s exciting to take this next step and begin building out a tech park that will become a critical component for our testing, standards, and education programs at ACM,” said John Maddox, ACM’s President and CEO. “The site at Willow Run offers an opportunity to create a future mobility ecosystem that will be a place where industry-changing innovation is driven.”
“ACM offers an unparalleled opportunity for the state to expand its global leadership in the connected and automated vehicle sector,” said Paul Krutko, Ann Arbor SPARK president and CEO, and treasurer of the ACM board of directors. “These new ACM facilities will attract innovative businesses while being a destination for automotive manufacturers who are putting these emerging technologies in their vehicles. Ann Arbor SPARK is thrilled to see this move forward, and to be able to leverage this new asset as part of growing our economy.”
The 25 acre location for the 45,000 sq. ft. headquarters has already been selected based on its proximity to the ACM proving grounds. In addition to the headquarters, the project includes design and construction of a 13,500 sq. ft. lab that will be adjacent to the headquarters and the proving grounds.
In addition to traditional office space, ACM is requesting its headquarters include collaborative spaces, including configurable convening space, meeting and conference rooms, access for vehicles, and a rooftop event space. The lab space will include a demonstration space that could, for example, host events such as robotics and cyber competitions.
A Q&A session and campus area tour is scheduled for October 12, 2017. Interested vendors must submit their proposal by October 30, 2017.
The RFP is online at www.AnnArborUSA.org/ACM-RFP. All questions regarding the RFP should be directed to Phil Santer, Ann Arbor SPARK’s chief of staff, at Phil@AnnArborUSA.org.
About ACM
The American Center for Mobility is a non-profit testing, education and product development facility for future mobility, designed to enable safe validation and self-certification of connected and automated vehicle technology, and to accelerate the development of voluntary standards. ACM is one of 10 U.S. DOT designated Automated Vehicle Proving Grounds in the U.S. ACM is part of PlanetM, a collaborative that represents Michigan’s unique and vast ecosystem, connecting resources and opportunities for its consortium of members. Made up of private industry, government and institutions of higher learning, partners in PlanetM share the common goal of leading the development of smart solutions that will change the way people and goods are transported across all modes of transportation. To learn more about how Michigan is leading the transportation revolution or to become a member, visit PlanetM. To learn more about ACM, visit www.acmwillowrun.org.
About Ann Arbor SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone (LDFA), Washtenaw County etcs/Michigan Works!, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.
